KLANG, Nov 11 — The Malaysian Statistics Department (DOSM) requires close cooperation from industry players in Selangor to ensure the smooth and accurate implementation of the 2026 Economic Census, which will involve about 1.2 million business establishments nationwide.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the census will start from February, and Selangor, with about 300,000 registered business establishments, has a vital role in the findings of the census.
"The state has about 300,000 business establishments, the highest number compared to other states, with most being in the Petaling district.
"The state contributes over 26 per cent to the overall gross domestic product (GDP), so the data obtained by the census reflects the state’s economic condition completely and accurately,” he said during a press conference after launching a census engagement session with state executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi today.
Uzir added that the census findings will help the Federal and state governments understand the current economic structure, including the use of technology and automation in the workplace, the composition of the skilled and lower-skilled workforce, and sectors that require priority development.
The data will also serve as the basis for strategic economic planning at the national and state levels, including the preparation of skill-training programmes, investment policies, the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises, and the improvement of the business ecosystem.
Regarding industry cooperation, he noted that companies’ receptiveness and support in providing accurate information are crucial to ensuring the quality of statistics produced that meet international standards.
DOSM has launched a series of engagement sessions across the state and distributed materials to trade associations, government agencies, and stakeholders to expand understanding of the census’ importance.
“The information gathered is of aggregate sectors and not information of individual companies. DOSM will never reveal certain company data, such as sales or profit figures.
“Statistics only show data based on industry category, company size and area, including sectors like textiles, food, furniture and agricultural products,” he said.
Uzir said that the census methods used have undergone continuous improvement throughout their implementation over 70 years, and are currently supported by digital systems and verification methods through data sharing with other agencies.
Meanwhile, Najwan said that Selangor is focusing on three sectors with potential: manufacturing, construction, and services, based on existing data, making the state the highest contributor to GDP at 26.2 per cent.
“The manufacturing sector contributes 5.1 per cent, followed by construction and services at 13.2 per cent and 6.3 per cent respectively. Therefore, the data gathered will be used to improve the performance of these sectors and the state’s economic growth.
"The state government is now focused on data-driven policies… as data accuracy reflects the true reality and helps draft more effective development strategies,” he said.
