PUTRAJAYA: The implementation of the Economic Census 2026 (BE2026) will, for the first time, expand its coverage to include the informal sector, which is increasingly important in Malaysia’s economic ecosystem, says Statistics Department (DOSM).
This includes online businesses, small traders, homestays, gig workers and non-profit organisations.
DOSM said the move is in line with the principle of “no business left behind” to ensure national economic statistics are more inclusive and accurately reflect the real economic activities of the people.
“This approach is expected to help the government better understand the role of micro and community economies, and subsequently formulate more precise and effective economic empowerment policies,” it said after the BE2026 launch by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir (pic).
DOSM said the census is also aligned with various national development policies, including the 13th Malaysia Plan, the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, and the National Entrepreneurship Policy.
“The comprehensive data collected will serve as key input in formulating fiscal, monetary, social and development policies.”
Statistics generated through the census are expected to boost the confidence of domestic and international investors, while supporting Malaysia in crafting resilient and sustainable long-term economic strategies, it added.
