STATISTICAL LITERACY RISING, PUBLIC INCREASINGLY COMFORTABLE WITH DATA - DOSM

KUANTAN, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- Efforts to strengthen statistical literacy among the people are bearing clear results, with the over 11 million views on the OpenDOSM platform proving that the public is becoming increasingly comfortable using official data in their daily life, replacing assumptions with evidence based on numbers.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said that, as of Oct 14, the portal recorded over 11.7 million views, with an average of 13,600 views per day, while the publications and datasets have been consistently downloaded, reaching totals of 204,000 and 233,000 respectively.

"These figures are proof of the significant increase in the use of official statistics by various parties for evidence-based decision-making, research and the creation of social innovations.

"This phenomenon indicates that Malaysians are now relying on authentic data in their daily lives and shaping an information-based future,” it said in a statement issued in conjunction with the 2025 National and World Statistics Day (HSN) celebration.

DOSM also said that data now plays an important role not only at the government level in budget preparation and public policy formulation, but also serves as a key element in the business sector, as well as in academia and among students.

"The business sector is increasingly reliant on data such as market prices and labour force statistics to plan strategies and reduce the risk of losses. In academia and among students, data is leveraged as a 'living laboratory’ to enrich learning and research.

"The general public is also becoming more statistically literate, using data as a tool to understand issues and social realities,” it added.

The HSN 2025 celebration, held in Lipis, Pahang, from Oct 17-19 with the theme 'Statistics: The Pulse of Life’, was officiated by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, and also attended by Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.

According to DOSM, this year's HSN celebration coincides with the World Statistics Day, which is celebrated every five years on Oct 20 as introduced by the United Nations (UN) in 2010.

The global theme of the 2025 World Statistics Day is "Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone” with the slogan "Driving Change with Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone”, in line with efforts to strengthen a quality, inclusive and high-impact statistical system for the well-being of the people.

"HSN is now a symbol of 'data on the ground’, in line with the recommendation of the Prime Minister that granular data at the district level be utilised to formulate more targeted policies, as well as support local communities.

"The DOSM also emphasises data equity by ensuring rural communities and FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) have access to official national information. This data culture must continue to be cultivated through various initiatives, such as statistical debate, public speech and youth datathon,” it added.

Meanwhile, in line with Malaysia's role as the Chairman of the ASEAN Community Statistical System (ACSS) Committee for 2025, DOSM said Malaysia will organise and chair the 15th Session of the ASEAN Community Statistical System (ACSS15), as well as the First ASEAN Statistical Forum 2025 from Nov 3-7 in Melaka.

"This regional gathering will serve as a key platform to strengthen statistical collaboration, promote quality data and drive regional integration to achieve a more sustainable and inclusive ASEAN Community,” it added.

-- BERNAMA