What is Padu Malaysia? How To Register & Do You Need It
What is PADU, and Why is It Important for Malaysians?
Do you remember when PADU became the talk of the town in Malaysia? Friends and family were buzzing about it, urging each other to register for their PADU profiles before the March 2024 deadline. While that initial registration period has passed, PADU continues to be important as it’s now actively used for targeted subsidy programmes like RON95 fuel subsidies.
So, what is PADU?
PADU stands for Pangkalan Data Utama, or Central Database Hub in English.
Launched in January 2024, PADU is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Economy, the Department of Statistics Malaysia, and MAMPU (Unit Pemodenan Tadbiran Dan Perancangan Pengurusan Malaysia). It also partners with various data supply agencies to centralize and streamline citizen information.
While the system has stirred mixed reactions online, Malaysians are actively registering—over 7.3 million registrations as of 23 March 2024. Many worry that skipping registration might exclude them from benefits like the RON95 fuel subsidy.
What’s New with PADU in 2026?
Since its initial launch, PADU has evolved significantly:
Profile Updates Reopened
– Users can update their profiles starting from February 1, 2025.
– Important dates: Subsidy recipient lists are generated on March 28, 2025 and October 1, 2025 based on current data.
– It’s crucial to keep your information updated to maintain eligibility for government assistance.
RON95 Targeted Subsidy Implementation
– PADU data is now being used for the targeted RON95 petrol subsidy under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme.
– As of October 2025, over 12.4 million citizens out of 16.5 million eligible individuals have benefited from RON95 petrol priced at RM1.99 per litre.
– The mechanism uses MyKad inserted into reader terminals at petrol stations, which connects to PADU to determine eligibility and fuel quota.
Data Integration
– 204 government agencies have now integrated their data with PADU.
– Nine applications from various agencies have been approved to use PADU data.
– PADU centralises data from LHDN (Inland Revenue Board), JPJ (Road Transport Department), JPN (National Registration Department), and other agencies.
For Those Who Didn’t Register
– If you didn’t register during the initial phase, your basic data has still been entered into the system from existing government records.
– However, this basic data may not be as accurate or complete as self-reported information.
– You can still update your information during the periodic update windows.
What is the purpose of PADU?
PADU is designed to ensure that government aid, whether in the form of monetary assistance or subsidies, reaches those who truly need it. Beyond providing aid, PADU aims to improve how citizens’ and permanent residents’ data is stored and utilized.
PADU’s three primary objectives include:
- Creating a secure, real-time central database to support analytics and prevent data leaks.
- Enabling informed decision-making through accurate data.
- Promoting economic balance with targeted policies.
Additionally, PADU strives to enhance the government’s service delivery, bridge socioeconomic gaps, and improve Malaysians’ welfare and economic conditions.
Should I register for PADU as a Malaysian? Is it a MUST?
Currently, registering for PADU is not mandatory. However, the official PADU website advises Malaysians to register to avoid missing out on essential social assistance and protection programs.
While the decision is ultimately yours, being part of the PADU system may ensure you have access to benefits and aid that could otherwise be unavailable.
How do I register for PADU? Will it be difficult?
Good news! Registering for PADU is not as daunting as it might seem. Even if you’re not a tech whiz, the process is straightforward and takes only three easy steps:
Step 1: Access PADU’s official website https://padu.gov.my/ and look for the big “Daftar Sekarang” or “Sign up Now” button.
Step 2: Click on it and you will be brought to this page, and here is where you will have to insert your basic details like your full name, IC number, phone number etc.
Step 3: An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the phone number that you input in the last step, so make sure the phone number you input is the one that you use!
Step 4: Create a password for your account! Make sure to follow the tips given in the blue box below to create a strong password.
Step 5: Scan the QR code with your phone camera and follow the web link.
Step 6: You should be brought to PADU’s website which then instructs you to take a picture of the front and back of your IC, as well as a face recognition, to verify your details. Make sure the picture shows your details in a clear and concise manner and tadaaa– You will be shown a confirmation page to verify that you have successfully registered!
Step 7: You can now log in to your PADU account and update any other necessary details.
PADU: Nothing to lose.
To all Malaysians, especially those in the middle to lower-income bracket, taking a few minutes to sign up for your PADU account could make a big difference. There’s nothing to lose, but potentially everything to gain.
In the future, government subsidies, benefits, and aid distribution may depend heavily on this database. Ensuring your registration now puts you in a position to access these resources when they become available.
If you know someone who could benefit from PADU but faces barriers like lack of internet access or difficulty with digital tools, lend them a hand with their registration. Together, we can help ensure that no one misses out on the support they need.