Data-driven studies will lead to better policies

Pandemic challenge: While there exists the digital e-Census, Malaysians have traditionally preferred to answer questions face-to-face.

IT is important for more people to contribute to the ongoing Malaysia Population and Housing Census (Census 2020), a survey conducted once every 10 years by the Statistics Department (DOSM), to improve data-driven policymaking, highlight public needs, and ensure national resources are channelled efficiently.

Initially meant to be completed mid-last year, the census was restructured and its timeframe has been extended due to the prolonged movement control order, which was introduced to mitigate the spread of the Covid-19.