THE lack of mobile telecommunication network in rural Sarawak may not give the central database hub (Padu) that was launched on Tuesday accurate information on the state, a PKR man said.

Abun Sui Anyit, a senator, said data on the state might be skewed because many people in the state’s remote areas – the targeted group – simply could not register themselves on the hub’s online portal as there is practically no internet access and therefore no mobile phone network in these areas.

Padu is a government database containing individual and household profiles of citizens and permanent residents in the country.

The data collected is to be used to support the government in making data-driven policies and decisions, and facilitating the disbursement of financial aid such as the targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol and diesel, and Bantuan Tunai Rahmah. 

It is expected that all future government financial aid programmes will utilise Padu for implementation.

“Therefore, the March 31 deadline set for registration and updating with Padu might not be achievable and need to be extended,” Abun said.

He said “real constraints” like the absence of mobile connectivity should have been addressed first before rolling out programmes that require such a service.

He said phone service is necessary in the Padu programme as the registrant has to receive a one-time password or OTP – a security feature commonly used in authentication systems to enhance security. 

“If there is no phone line, the applicant cannot receive the OTP number,” he pointed out.

Abun said as it is, people affected by these constraints will miss out on enjoying subsidies and other financial assistance “they should rightfully qualify for based on their actual economic situation”.

To ensure the people in rural Sarawak could register themselves, he urged telecommunications providers to promptly provide internet service in all areas with inhabitants. 

“The relevant ministry needs to take immediate action to provide good phone and internet (services) first.”

Abu also discouraged the government from resorting to using the services of the “flying squad” to the interiors if the issue of phone lines and internet is not resolved. 

The government had resorted to using the flying squad to administer the Covid-19 vaccination in difficult-to-reach areas during the pandemic.

Giving the remote settlement of Long Busang in Belaga as an example, Abun said though internet service is available in this Kenyah Badeng settlement, there is still no mobile phone signal there. 

“If the flying squad continues to be used without ensuring the existence of phone lines first, it will be a waste (of money),” he said. – January 4, 2024.