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Many non-Malay Bumiputeras in Sarawak are citing a lack of information as the primary reason for their failure to register with the Central Database Hub (Padu) before the looming March 31 deadline. Despite receiving text messages prompting registration, individuals like Raylene Jackery, 42, remain unaware of Padu's purpose due to insufficient media coverage. "I don't really know what it is actually for because I don't see it being discussed in the media very often — or perhaps it's just me who is not aware at all," Jackery, a corporate sector employee, lamented.
Similarly, Desmond Mitchell Hill, 44, a local bartender, admitted to forgetting about Padu due to a lack of information about its benefits. "Since no one told me about its benefits, I forgot all about it — up until this interview," Hill remarked. Angela Tupang, 56, echoed these sentiments, expressing her newfound understanding of Padu's purpose only during the interview.
Leonora Lamban and her husband, Palima Ngadan, stressed the importance of comprehensive government communication about Padu's objectives, particularly in rural areas with limited internet access. As a nurse and village chief respectively, they emphasized the need for grassroots leaders to educate their communities about Padu's significance.
Meanwhile, Nelson Mat Jiram, 31, and Luther Desion, 42, emphasized their trust in government initiatives, prompting them to register with Padu despite limited awareness. Agustine Seli, 47, a farmer, called for an extension of the deadline, citing inadequate facilities and awareness in rural Sarawak.
Civil servant William Ngadan, 34, urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns to encourage more registrations among non-Malay Bumiputeras. Conversely, individuals like Gilbert Empatie, 40, a lorry driver from Saratok, questioned the benefits of Padu registration, indicating a lack of perceived value.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli highlighted Sarawak's high number of areas yet to be covered by Padu during a recent press conference, urging non-Malays to register to avoid exclusion from government assistance. Padu, launched earlier this year, aims to provide accurate household income data to enhance government service delivery and improve the well-being of Malaysians.
As the deadline approaches, concerted efforts are needed to address information gaps, increase awareness, and ensure equitable access to government assistance programs for all communities in Sarawak and beyond.
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