Get counted to help development

Public have until Sept 30 to answer over 100 questions for census

PUTRAJAYA: The latest national census is under way, 10 years after the last exercise was carried out.

An estimated 32.7 million people in the country will be involved in the Population and Housing Census 2020 (Census 2020) which will be conducted by the National Statistics Department.

To be included in the census will be Malaysians of all ages, as well as foreigners living in the country for more than six months in the year 2020.

The census aim to compile the total coverage and profile of the population, households and living quarters in Malaysia with a wide range of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Having the most current and comprehensive census data is vital in helping the government plan, formulate and implement policies for national development.

“This census is an investment, which means we want the findings or results to be used as much as possible.

“The over 100 questionnaires that we have developed are based on discussions with various ministries, agencies and stakeholders on their needs,” said Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.

According to the Census Act 1960, the public must participate and answer all questions on the census.

Under the Act, an individual who refuses to answer the census questions truthfully, or one who provides false answers, is liable to be punished with a fine not exceeding RM100 or jail time of not more than one month, or both.

Census 2020 will be divided into two phases, with the first stage to be conducted online via the e-Census platform effective yesterday to Sept 30.

The second phase of Census 2020 will be carried out from Oct 7-24 with department personnel going to homes of those who did not or could not participate in the e-Census.

A postcard containing the e-Census guide and link to the census portal will be sent to all households.

Alternatively, respondents can directly access the e-Census portal at ecensus.mycensus.gov.my to complete the required questionnaires.

Respondents will have to answer up to 108 questions divided into several sections relating to household, demography, work, education and health information, among others.

“This time, the questionnaires are quite special, such as type of employment and even time needed to commute between the home and workplace,” said Uzir.

With three months given to complete the questionnaire, Malaysians have ample time to participate in the online census.

Respondents do not need to answer all 108 questions in one go, as they will be able to save their responses and only submit the form when they are satisfied and have completed all questions.

The last time Malaysia underwent a census was in 2010.