DOSM, SKM Ink MoU To Boost Cooperation In Data Sharing And Statistical Research

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission (SKM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen strategic collaboration in data sharing, statistical research, human capital development, and consultancy services related to the cooperative sector.

Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the MoU marked a new chapter in enhancing the country’s cooperative data through more transparent data exchange, in accordance with the Statistics Act 1965 and the SKM Act 2007.

“This initiative is aimed at ensuring the production of more accurate, comprehensive, and reliable cooperative statistics through data sharing, as well as the refinement of concepts and classifications in line with international standards such as the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC),” he said at a press conference after the MoU signing at Menara SKM here today.

Mohd Uzir said that the MoU also supports the implementation of the Economic Census, which will cover more than 1.2 million business entities, including over 10,000 active cooperatives, while assisting DOSM and SKM in coordinating and standardising cooperative data according to the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification (MSIC).

He said that the collaboration also covered training, briefings, and officer exchanges to improve analytical skills and statistical dissemination capabilities in both agencies.

Mohd Uzir said that the list and data of cooperatives from SKM would provide valuable input for granular analysis, thereby supporting evidence-based policy planning and improving the consistency of cooperative data at both national and international levels.

Meanwhile, SKM chief executive officer Datuk Noor Afifah Abdul Razak said that the cooperative sector played a significant role in the country’s economic growth, with more than 15,000 registered cooperatives and revenues reaching RM68 billion this year.

“We need more detailed data to measure the real impact on GDP (gross domestic product), employment and the value chain. Collaboration with DOSM will help identify the success of the cooperative movement and areas for improvement, including in terms of market stability and food security,” he said.

The MoU will also look into the role of cooperatives in promoting youth development and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, including in schools and higher learning institutions.

With the signing of this MoU, a Technical Implementation Committee will be established to draft a detailed action plan, and the initial findings are expected to be incorporated into the national economic report in the first quarter of next year.

Malaysia recently ranked first globally in the Open Data Inventory (ODIN) 2024/25, according to the latest report by Open Data Watch, rising from 67th place in the previous edition.

The OpenDOSM NextGen portal provides public access to the data catalogue and related visualisations, which can be viewed at https://open.dosm.gov.my.

--BERNAMA