KUANTAN: Efforts to strengthen statistical literacy among the people are bearing clear results, with over 11 million views on the OpenDOSM platform proving that the public is becoming more comfortable using official data in their daily lives.
The Statistics Department (DOSM) said that, as of Oct 14, the portal recorded over 11.7 million views, with an average of 13,600 views per day, while publications and datasets have been downloaded to totals of 204,000 and 233,000, respectively.
“These figures are proof of the significant increase in the use of official statistics by various parties for evidence-based decision-making, research and the creation of social innovations.
“This phenomenon indicates that Malaysians are now relying on authentic data in their daily lives and shaping an information-based future,” it said in a statement issued in conjunction with 2025 National and World Statistics Day (HSN).
DOSM also said that data now plays an important role not only in government activities such as budget preparation and public policy formulation but also serves as an essential element in the business sector, as well as in academic settings.
“The business sector is increasingly reliant on data, such as market prices and labour force statistics, to plan strategies and reduce the risk of losses. Academics and students use data as a ‘living laboratory’ to enhance learning and research.
“The public is also gaining more statistical literacy, employing data as a tool to comprehend issues and social realities,” it added.
The HSN 2025 celebration, held in Lipis, Pahang, from October 17–19, themed “Statistics: The Pulse of Life”, was officiated by Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and also attended by Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.
According to DOSM, this year’s celebration aligns with World Statistics Day, which is observed every five years on Oct 20, a commemoration established by the United Nations in 2010.
