PUTRAJAYA: Registration for the second phase of the government’s Central Database Hub (PADU) will be opened after the Cabinet approves several criteria which are currently being refined by the ministries involved, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli. He said the government, through his ministry and the Ministry of Finance as the lead agencies, is finalising the details before presenting them to the Cabinet.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Rafizi explained in Parliament that any form of targeted subsidy for RON95 will involve two implementation phases. The first phase is to determine who is eligible for the subsidy, involving back-end processes, while the second phase will handle operations at petrol stations. A recent meeting discussed timelines and implementation plans, which will be announced once the Cabinet provides its approval.

Rafizi expressed confidence that with clear explanations, more people would register with PADU to ensure they do not miss out on government assistance. He emphasized the impor
tance of public understanding, noting that eligibility verification for RON95 subsidies depends on PADU data, and non-registration could lead to exclusion from benefits. He believes public registration will increase in the second phase compared to the first.

During the first phase of PADU registration, approximately 55 per cent of households registered, mainly from the low-income group. Rafizi highlighted a change in perception, as previously, it was assumed that the M40 group would not receive subsidies. With recent clarifications that only the T15 and above are ineligible, he anticipates more households will register in the upcoming phase.

When PADU registration initially opened, data indicated that most high-income earners did not feel the need to register, as they were unlikely to qualify for subsidies. Rafizi’s remarks suggest a shift in public perception and registration trends for the upcoming phase.