DOSM seeks Selangor business cooperation for 2026 Economic Census involving 300,000 establishments to ensure accurate economic planning data
KLANG: The Department of Statistics Malaysia requires close cooperation from Selangor’s business community to ensure the successful implementation of the 2026 Economic Census.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the census will commence in February and involve approximately 1.2 million business establishments nationwide.
Selangor alone hosts about 300,000 registered business establishments, the highest concentration among all states, with Petaling district containing the majority.
“The state contributes over 26% to the overall Gross Domestic Product, making accurate census data crucial for reflecting Selangor’s true economic condition,” he stated during a media conference after launching an engagement session.
Mohd Uzir emphasized that census findings will help both federal and state governments understand current economic structures, including workplace technology adoption and workforce composition.
The data will serve as the foundation for strategic economic planning at national and state levels.
It will inform skill training programs, investment policies, MSME development, and business ecosystem improvements.
Regarding industry cooperation, Mohd Uzir stressed that company receptiveness in providing accurate information is vital for producing quality statistics meeting international standards.
DOSM has initiated statewide engagement sessions and distributed materials to trade associations and stakeholders to enhance census understanding.
“All gathered information represents aggregate sector data, not individual company specifics,” he assured.
The department maintains strict confidentiality regarding sensitive company data such as sales figures or profits.
Statistics are presented by industry category, company size, and geographical area including textiles, food, furniture, and agricultural sectors.
Census methodologies have undergone continuous improvement over 70 years of implementation, now supported by digital systems and verification through inter-agency data sharing.
Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi highlighted the state’s focus on three key sectors: manufacturing, construction, and services.
Manufacturing contributes 5.1% to state GDP, while construction and services account for 13.2% and 6.3% respectively.
“The state government now prioritizes data-driven policies, as accurate data reflects true realities and enables more effective development strategies,” Mohd Najwan added.
Census data will be instrumental in enhancing sector performance and driving Selangor’s economic growth. – Bernama
