Data, AI And Stronger Statistical System Key To 13MP Success - Fadillah 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- The government will continue to strengthen the National Statistical System (NSS) and expand the use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) as key pillars in the decision-making process to ensure the success of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026-2030.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said a data-driven approach has become increasingly critical in addressing global challenges, including economic uncertainties, geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, climate change and rapid technological advancements, including AI.

He said data and official statistics are no longer merely sources of information, but strategic national assets that support and enhance the effectiveness of public service delivery while strengthening the country’s resilience.

“The success of the 13MP requires quality, integrity and timely data and statistics to support policy planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation more effectively and with greater impact on the people,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Earlier, Fadillah chaired the National Statistics and Data Council (MSDN) high-level meeting, which was attended by permanent members of the council, including Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah and chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.

Fadillah said Malaysia continued to record encouraging economic performance, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 5.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating the effectiveness of development policies formulated based on data.

He added that the Strengthening of the National Statistical System (SNSS) must continue to be enhanced through strategic collaboration among ministries, federal agencies, state governments, the private sector, academic institutions and research bodies.

“In this digital era, the ability to integrate data from various sources in a secure, ethical and effective manner is crucial to enabling the government to gain a more comprehensive understanding of current challenges and accelerate decision-making processes,” he said.

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said he had also emphasised the importance of developing an integrated database, strengthening big data analytics and leveraging AI to enhance the country's productivity, innovation and competitiveness.

Strategic sectors such as energy transition, climate change, water sector transformation and sustainable development also require comprehensive data support to ensure that every policy and investment undertaken delivers the greatest benefit to the people and the country.

Fadillah said the meeting also reviewed several strategic initiatives, including the standardisation of the country’s official statistical standards, strengthening data governance, integrating administrative data, developing a science, technology and innovation talent database, empowering data for youth development and managing national road asset data.

“All these initiatives are crucial to building a more integrated, high-integrity and development-oriented national data ecosystem,” he said.

-- BERNAMA