KUCHING: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) Sarawak unit has conducted Phase 1 of the 2026 Economic Census, for which field officers are visiting focus points to gather data throughout the state.
They then conducted field work in the Kuching district on January 24 in the hotspot locations including Metrocity Night Market, he added. Its objective is to collect up-to-date and more detailed economic information for policy formulation, development planning and monitoring of Sarawak economy.
The Economic Census is conducted once every five years, and is Malaysia’s most comprehensive statistical exercise that spans all business establishments and economic activities in the country. For Sarawak, the census offers valuable statistics on the state’s varied economy such as services and trade, agriculture and manufacturing.
Through the site visits in high density premises like Metrocity Night Market, DOSM officers can acquire on-site business performances, employment and financial transactions’ data on a 24-hour basis. Such information will contribute towards an assessment of the economic impact of local businesses in Sarawak and trends in consumer demand, as well market expansion in this area.
The census is also instrumental in supporting the development thrust of Sarawak, especially with the state’s move to become a developed high-income economy. Timely and accurate access to data helps the government develop policies that support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), improve infrastructure planning, and increase investment opportunities.
The DOSM Sarawak also called for public cooperation during the census exercise. Shop owners and merchants must be themselves the best sources of such information, that can make it responsive to need on the island. The department promised that all information collected is confidential and will be used for statistical purposes only.
The fieldwork at Metrocity Night Market is an embodiment of DOSM’s continuous commitment in working at ground zero with communities and business entities. It also shows the department’s effort to make a point of Sarawak’s economic data to be mom-representative of urban and rural activities.
As part of Phase 1, DOSM Sarawak will gradually be extending its operation to other districts, with the objective that the 2026 Economic Census is able to present a comprehensive image of the state’s economy.
