E-Census vital in minimising danger of personal contact


PETALING JAYA: The e-Census exercise for the Population and Housing Census 2020 (Census 2020) is the second time conducted by the Statistics Department.

Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the first time in 2010 was a trial attempt, and was unsuccessful.

“We have since improved and developed better ways for the people to access and fill in the necessary data into the online system.

“However, the participation rate is still low as filling in the census online is something new. People still expect to do it physically with enumerators coming and interviewing them,” he said.

Although the e-Census has been made available since July 7, only 1.5 million Malaysians participated, way below the 30% target of the country’s 32.7 million population.

As at Sept 15, Mohd Uzir said the participation rate was 4.6% before the e-Census closed on Sept 30.

“Seven states recorded more than 5% of participation, but the number is still lower than the expected 10%, except for Putrajaya which recorded 33%. The rest are Perak, Johor, Penang, Perlis, Melaka and Negri Sembilan. “Kelantan, Sabah, Terengganu, Kedah, Pahang and Sarawak recorded lower than 3.5% participation,” he added.

With less than two weeks away, Mohd Uzir said the department would focus on urging Malaysians to complete the e-Census, as physical distancing becomes the new norm for people to minimise contact.

“The department has set up kiosks in public places nationwide and people can fill up their replies via tablets,” he said.

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