S'gor Business Establishments' Cooperation Needed For 2026 Economy Census - DOSM

KLANG, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) requires close cooperation from industry players in Selangor to ensure the smooth and accurate implementation of the 2026 Economic Census, which will involve about 1.2 million business establishments in the country.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the census will start from February, and Selangor, with about 300,000 registered business establishments, has a vital role in the findings of the census.

"The state has about 300,000 business establishments, the highest number compared to other states, with most being in Petaling district.

"The state contributes over 26 per cent to the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP), so the data obtained by the census reflects the state’s economic condition completely and accurately,” he said at a media conference after launching a census engagement session with Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi here today.

He said the census findings will help the federal and state governments understand the current economic structure, including the use of technology and automation in the workplace, the composition of skilled and lower-skilled workforce as well as sectors that require priority development.

The data also will serve as the basis for strategic economic planning at the national and state levels, including the preparation of skill training, investment policies, development of micro, small and medium enterprises and improving the business ecosystem, he said.

On industry cooperation, Mohd Uzir said that companies’ receptiveness and support in providing accurate information is very crucial in ensuring the quality of statistics produced to meet international standards.

DOSM has started a series of engagement sessions throughout the state and distributed material to trade associations, government agencies and stakeholders to expand understanding about the census’ importance.

“The information gathered is of aggregate sectors and not information of individual companies. DOSM will never reveal certain company data, such as sales or profit figures.

“Statistics only show data based on industry category, company size and area, including sectors, such as textiles, food, furniture and agricultural products,” he said, adding that the census methods used have undergone continuous improvement throughout its implementation of over 70 years and is currently supported by digital systems and verification methods through data sharing with the help of other agencies.

Meanwhile, Mohd Najwan said that Selangor is focusing on three sectors with potential - manufacturing, construction and service - based on existing gathered data, making the state the highest GDP contributor at 26.2 per cent.

“The manufacturing sector contributes 5.1 per cent, followed by construction and services at 13.2 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively. Therefore the data gathered will be used to improve the performance of these sectors and the state’s economic growth.

"The state government is now focused on data-driven policies… as data accuracy reflects the true reality and helps draft more effective development strategies,” he added.

-- BERNAMA