by BERNAMA / pic by BERNAMA

FIELD activities for the Population and Housing Census 2020 (Census 2020) and a routine survey by the Malaysian Statistics Department (DOSM) will continue by adhering to standard operating procedures (SOP) following the increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the field activities comprised the distribution of e-Census ID postcards, activities with community and e-Census clinics at selected locations.

The Census 2020 Commissioner said a statement which claimed the government prohibits face-to-face census by supervisors and enumerators until the end of this year, disseminated over social media and WhatsApp is fake.

In a statement today, he said the DOSM has improvised measures for Census 2020 including rescheduling the second phase of the face-to-face census from Oct 7 to 24, to Jan 20 to Feb 6, 2021.

With the rescheduling, the first phase of the Census 2020 namely the e-Census has been extended to Dec 21 and pre-registration was reopened from Oct 7 to Nov 30.

Mohd Uzir also urged the public to cooperate in making the Census 2020 and the survey a success while taking precautions in accordance with the current situation.

“This includes taking advantage of the e-Census, e-survey and telephone interview or the Computer Assisted Telephone Interview.

“The outcomes of Census 2020 and statistical services will be the statistical evidence used by the government in making evident-based decisions to formulate, implement, evaluate and review national public policies in ensuring no one is left behind,” he added.