A DECISION on the mechanism for implementing targeted subsidies will be made at the cabinet meeting next Wednesday, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.

He said the cabinet memorandum on the mechanism for retargeting subsidies was distributed today.

“Once decisions regarding the methods, eligible groups, amounts, and related details have been finalised, the government can proceed to announce the specific types of targeted subsidies.

“It is up to the prime minister to make the announcement at the appropriate time,” he told a press conference on the Central Database Hub (Padu) system in Purtajaya today.

Chief statistician Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin was also present.

Rafizi said the government would try to ensure that the retargeted subsidies would reach the right groups and benefit those eligible.

He expects the targeted subsidies to be implemented in the second quarter of this year as the Padu registration will end in March.

As of 4pm today, 1.63 million Malaysians have registered with Putrajaya having the most sign-ups among states, he said.

He said the government would intensify efforts to get people to sign up with Padu in the next one month and he would be meeting all menteri besar and state government leaders on the registration drive.

“At the federal government level, instructions have been issued by the prime minister through Public Service director-general Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz to ensure civil servants try to register (with Padu) as soon as possible,” he said. – Bernama, January 19, 2024.