KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 23): Malaysia has launched its sixth Economic Census (EC2026), which is expanding its scope to include the informal sector for the first time. The move aims to strengthen the national data system and ensure economic statistics remain relevant to support evidence-based policymaking.

The expanded census now captures online businesses, gig workers, small-scale traders, homestay operators and non-profit organisations.

Department of Statistics Malaysia's (DOSM) chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said EC2026 recognises the increasing role of the informal sector in Malaysia’s economic landscape.

“In an increasingly complex and fast-changing global economic environment, the availability of accurate, comprehensive and timely economic data is no longer optional; it is a strategic necessity to enable effective, resilient and forward-looking national development planning,” Mohd Uzir said.

Guided by the principle of “no business is left behind”, the broader scope aims to ensure national statistics are more inclusive and reflective of actual economic participation.

Mohd Uzir noted that amid structural changes driven by rapid digital advancements, artificial intelligence, automation and shifting global dynamics, detailed data is critical to maintaining Malaysia's global competitiveness.

Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir described EC2026 as a strategic undertaking to transform Malaysia’s economic data into a more holistic and integrated system.

In his address at the launch ceremony, Akmal Nasrullah highlighted the census' role in identifying new industries and products that signal structural shifts in the economy. “If we want sound policies, we need accurate data and EC2026 is a major step towards that,” he said.

He added that the new census will provide significant benefits for formulating national policies, monitoring sector performance and assessing the impact of various development programmes at the national, state and district levels.

The EC2026, which will run from Jan 5 to Oct 31, 2026, involves more than 1.34 million active establishments nationwide.

The census is being carried out in three phases: Phase 1 (Jan 5 to Feb 28) covers micro and informal establishments; Phase 2 (March 1 to June 30) targets micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and Phase 3 (June 1 to Oct 31) focuses on medium and large establishments.

Mohd Uzir said the census has reported encouraging progress so far, with 416,942 micro establishments having been enumerated during the initial phase. They cover five sectors: services (83.6%), construction (8.7%), manufacturing (5.5%), agriculture (1.9%) and mining and quarrying (0.2%).

Geographically, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor account for nearly half of the country’s economic establishments, reflecting the concentration of economic activity in major growth centres.

Mohd Uzir reaffirmed that all information provided to the DOSM is strictly confidential and protected under the Statistics Act 1965 and will be used solely for official statistical purposes.