Targeted subsidies to be rolled out in 2024

The targeted subsidy programme is expected to be fully implemented beginning next year, said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli.

He said this time frame was based on the scheduled launch of the main data base system (Padu) this November before it is opened to the public for verification of their socioeconomic status in January next year.

"Whether the mechanism is to be cash transfer or card issuance will be decided from time to time because the priority now is to ensure there is complete information on the socioeconomic status of every household," he told a press conference after the tabling of the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat today.

On May 15 this year, Anwar, who is also the finance minister, agreed to establish Padu to integrate the socioeconomic information of every household in the country to streamline the implementation of targeted subsidies.

Anwar said the system would help the government ensure that subsidy programmes would be implemented in a more orderly manner to prevent any eligible household from being left out.