KUALA LUMPUR: The Statistics Bill 2026 has been passed by the Dewan Rakyat, with the goal of modernising Malaysia’s National Statistical System.
Previously tabled on July 14 by Economy Minister Akmal Nasir, the Bill underwent its first and second reading on Thursday (July 16) and was passed via a voice vote.
Akmal said the Bill was essential to ensure Malaysia’s statistical legal framework remains relevant amid evolving economic and social structures by replacing the over six decade old Statistics Act 1965 (Act 415) once the bill comes into effect.
“The Statistics Bill 2026 is more than a legislative update, it strengthens Malaysia’s capacity to produce coordinated, high-quality and trusted official statistics,” he said in his winding-up speech on the Bill in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.
Comprising 22 clauses, the Bill sets out the functions of the Statistics Department of Malaysia (DOSM), and the establishment of the National Statistics Council.
It also outlines the mechanisms for data collection and requests, the publication and communication of statistics, confidentiality safeguards, the power to make regulations and the repeal of the Statistics Act 1965.
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The Bill also sees DOSM serve as the central coordinator for the production of official statistics, as well as the national repository for data and statistics.
He also assured the public that the Bill would strengthen Malaysia's statistical confidentiality.
“With DOSM as the national repository, this makes it easier for us to implement all sorts of data protection measures to ensure the data remains secure through coding or labeling a data set as confidential.
“Any information relating to individuals, households or establishments collected for statistical purposes may not be disclosed or used for any other purpose, except as permitted by law.
“Any confidential data leaked by a DOSM officer is an offence under this Bill and they will be subject to legal action,” he added.
Akmal also noted that the Bill does not take over or change the existing responsibilities of ministries and agencies with each ministry and agency to continue to own its administrative data and remain the lead authority for statistics in its sector.
“The passage of the Bill reflects the government’s commitment to building a more coordinated, trusted and responsive National Statistical System and will further strengthen evidence-based policymaking, public service delivery and national development planning,” Akmal said.
