Malaysia is set to overhaul its six-decade-old statistical framework after the Dewan Rakyat passed the Statistics Bill 2026, paving the way for a more coordinated and modern national data system.
The Bill will replace the Statistics Act 1965, which has served as the legal foundation of Malaysia’s statistical system for more than 60 years.
The Economy Ministry said the reform would ensure the country’s data laws remain relevant amid changing economic and social structures, rapid digitalisation and rising demand for accurate, timely and trusted official statistics.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the legislation went beyond a routine legal update by strengthening Malaysia’s ability to produce high-quality and coordinated data.
“Good data must translate into better-targeted policies, more effective public services and tangible benefits for the people,” he said.
The 22-clause Bill provides for the establishment of a National Statistics Council and strengthens the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s role as the central coordinator and national repository for official data and statistics.
It will also align statistical concepts, definitions, classifications, standards and methodologies across government agencies.
Ministries and agencies will retain ownership of their administrative data and continue to lead statistical activities within their respective sectors.
The ministry said improved use of administrative data could reduce duplicated data collection, lower costs and ease the reporting burden on businesses, households and other respondents.
Confidentiality protections will remain central to the new framework, with information involving individuals, households and establishments prohibited from being disclosed or used beyond purposes permitted by law.
The Bill followed a policy review initiated in 2016 and seven rounds of consultations with government agencies, state authorities, academics, industry representatives and private-sector stakeholders.
Its passage marks a major step towards strengthening evidence-based policymaking, public service delivery and national development planning.
