Malaysia’s Statistics Bill 2026, creating the National Statistics Council and empowering DOSM, was tabled for first reading in Dewan Rakyat.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Statistics Bill 2026, which aims to provide for the functions of the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the establishment of the National Statistics Council, and matters related to data and statistics, was tabled for its first reading in Dewan Rakyat today.
Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, when tabling the Bill, said the second reading will be held on July 16.
According to the draft of the Bill, the proposed Act will be named the Statistics Act 2026 and will come into force on a date determined by the Minister of Economy through a Gazette notification, and will bind the Federal Government and the state governments.
The Bill also proposes that the Department of Statistics be known as the Department of Statistics Malaysia, while the Chief Statistician shall be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from among the officers currently serving in the Federal public service.
Candidates for the position must hold a master’s degree or a doctorate (PhD) in statistics, economics, data science, mathematics, or a related field from a government-recognised university, as well as have at least 20 years of experience in the field of statistics.
Candidates must also possess knowledge, technical skills, and expertise in producing and disseminating statistics related to social, economic, or other relevant fields, as well as have knowledge, skills, and experience in conducting national- or state-level population, economic, agricultural and household censuses.
“Any number of Deputy Chief Statisticians and other officers of the Department of Statistics Malaysia shall be appointed as necessary for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this Act.
“Every Deputy Chief Statistician and officer of the Department of Statistics Malaysia shall be subject to the control and direction of the Chief Statistician,” according to the Bill.
The department’s functions include serving as a central repository for data and statistics, collecting, organising, analysing, and interpreting data for the purpose of furnishing information required for the formation or carrying out of government policies and otherwise required for government purposes.
The department is also responsible for disseminating data and statistics, developing and establishing statistical standards and procedures, ensuring the quality, integrity and reliability of official government statistics, and advising and coordinating statistical activities for government entities and other parties, according to the Bill.
In addition, the department provides training related to statistics and performs any other functions relating to data and statistics as necessary for the implementation of the Act.
Regarding the National Statistics Council, the Bill states that the council shall be chaired by the Prime Minister and comprise the Minister of Economy, no more than eight Federal Ministers appointed by the Prime Minister, the Chief Secretary to the Government, the Director-General of the Public Service, and the Secretary-General of the ministry responsible for matters related to statistics, while the Chief Statistician acts as the secretary.
The council will act as the main advisory body in providing guidance and direction on matters related to statistics, in addition to evaluating and endorsing statistical standards and procedures in Malaysia and carrying out other matters arising from or incidental to the council’s functions under the Act.
The Bill also provides that the Chief Statistician may, through a written notice, direct any party to submit data that is within their knowledge or can be reasonably obtained within a specified period.
The data submitted must be true, accurate, and complete, while failure to comply may result in a fine of up to RM50,000 and an additional fine of up to RM2,000 per day for continuing offences after conviction.
