Stats Bill 2026 passed to modernise Malaysia’s national data system
Malaysia's Parliament has passed the Statistics Bill 2026 to modernize the national data system and replace the outdated 1965 Act. The bill establishes a National Statistics Council and strengthens data confidentiality and security protocols.
Why it matters
Updating statistical legislation is critical for modern economies to ensure data integrity, privacy, and evidence-based policymaking in the digital age.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Statistics Bill 2026 has been passed by the Dewan Rakyat, with the goal of modernising Malaysia’s National Statistical System.
Previously tabled on July 14 by Economy Minister Akmal Nasir, the Bill underwent its first and second reading on Thursday (July 16) and was passed via a voice vote.
Akmal said the Bill was essential to ensure Malaysia’s statistical legal framework remains relevant amid evolving economic and social structures by replacing the over six decade old Statistics Act 1965 (Act 415) once the bill comes into effect.
“The Statistics Bill 2026 is more than a legislative update, it strengthens Malaysia’s capacity to produce coordinated, high-quality and trusted official statistics,” he said in his winding-up speech on the Bill in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.
Comprising 22 clauses, the Bill sets out the functions of the Statistics Department of Malaysia (DOSM), and the establishment of the National Statistics Council.
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