The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is mulling a proposal that only those who have special IDs can buy the subsidised cooking oil packets. At the same time, the government is embarking on establishing a household socioeconomic database, known as the Central Database Hub or PADU to improve the monitoring and efficiency of government aid distribution. Where does the proposal for special IDs fit in with the PADU system and is this the best way to ensure assistance reaches vulnerable households? We discuss reforms to targeted subsidy programmes with Dr. Nur Ain Shahrier of Sunway University.

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