ROLE OF NATIONAL GEOSPATIAL CENTRE NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED FOR ACCURATE DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS - JOHARI

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The role of the National Geospatial Centre (PGN) in coordinating and consolidating location-based data needs to be expanded to ensure that development and policy decisions are based on accurate information, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

He said that geospatial data plays a crucial role in various aspects of national development, including security, logistics, housing and infrastructure planning.

Johari, currently also serving as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability,  added that the role of PGN in collecting and coordinating such data needs to be strengthened, as it directly impacts the nation's economic efficiency.

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"The data we store can assist in economic activities, national management, and more," he told reporters after opening the 10th National Geospatial Information Symposium (NGIS) here today.

Earlier in his speech, Johari said the coordination of geospatial data by PGN could enhance the country's economic efficiency by enabling the government, investors, and industry players to make more informed decisions, thereby reducing risk and administrative costs.

"If there is no party to coordinate these datasets, the government will end up spending a lot of money and effort on redundant data," he said, underscoring the importance of the National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (MyGDI) developed by PGN as the leading platform for systematic and rapid sharing of location-based information.

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He said MyGDI enables government agencies to share geospatial data more efficiently, avoid duplication in data procurement, and reduce operating costs.

"With a uniform base map and standardised data, development planning will be more organised and efficient," he said.

-- BERNAMA