by SHAUQI WAHAB / pic MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

THE Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) launched its 10th Malaysia Statistics (MyStats) Conference in Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara, Kuala Lumpur, today.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin stated that MyStats 2023 aims to serve as a platform for statisticians, researchers, economists, policymakers, academics and the media to media to highlight and develop new ideas. It also seeks to facilitate mutual understanding within the field of statistics, fostering connections that lead to improved collaboration and networking.

“This can further increase the effectiveness of government policy analysis and formulation based on facts,” he said at the launch.

Themed “Looking Beyond GDP: Towards Social Wellbeing and Environmental Sustainability”, DoSM also aims to help the government achieve its goals for economic and social wellbeing, environmental sustainability and balanced quality of life.

This theme conforms to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is also in line with the concept of Madani Malaysia.

Mohd Uzir’s speech focused on four main points, namely the evolution of GDP; across the borders of GDP; towards social wellbeing; and towards environmental sustainability.

Also present was Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.

“Official statistics are central to the socioeconomic policymaking process where DOSM provides quality and timely statistics in the field of economics, social and environmental,” she said.

She added that the government needs granular data to make accurate decisions to ensure there is no waste, especially with increasingly limited financial resources.

Granular data contain specific and detailed information about a subject which allows the government to implement targeted programmes regularly and respond to crises effectively, subsequently improving the efficiency of service delivery.

Hanifah Hajar also noted that the implementation of the Progressive Wage Policy and its details will be announced in the 2024 budget presentation.

This policy is expected to be implemented in the second quarter of next year.

She also urged all parties to respond to the 2023 Economic Census, which will end in October 2023, so that the output and outcome of this census can be utilised thoroughly.

Meanwhile, former United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Malaysia and UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Richard Leete highlighted various dimensions beyond GDP for measuring and monitoring progress, such as material dimensions, as well as the quality-of-life dimensions.

He said Malaysia’s wellbeing when being measured by life expectancy has increased massively over the past 50 years due to the implementation of public health, introduction of nutrition programmes, safe drinking water and sanitation.

“Better health contributed to impressive economic growth, and growth supported gains in health — both are key components of wellbeing,” he added.