“There is a possibility, but for now, the census-taking will be improved on until Padu is fully developed and the data coverage is widened,” Rafizi said in a written parliamentary reply.

He was responding to Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baharu) on whether the government intends on continuing the census exercise now that Padu has been launched.

Currently, the statistics department carries out the Population and Housing Census once every 10 years. The data collected includes the various demographic, social and economic features of the population and households.

Rafizi said Padu still needs time to mature, as the scope of data it collects is limited compared to the ones gathered through the national census.

He said Padu is currently focussing on individual Malaysians and permanent residents.

Rafizi also revealed that as of March 7, a total of 4,202,272 users have registered with Padu.

Of the number, 2,101,471 have updated and verified their information.

He was responding to Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who wanted an update on Padu’s registrations.

Aminolhuda also wanted to know if the ministry would continue to use Padu to roll out targeted subsidies despite the low number of registered users.

Rafizi said the government will proceed with its initial plan.

”If the number of registrations for Padu does not reach the target, it may lead to potential omissions for eligible individuals from government assistance or targeted subsidies in the future,” he said.

He highlighted the system’s importance, particularly in times of disasters or crisis requiring prompt government assistance.

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