PUTRAJAYA today officially launched the Economic Census 2026, a national initiative aimed at providing a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the country’s economic landscape.
Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the census was not merely for data collection, but as a strategic compass to ensure inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic growth in line with Malaysia MADANI’s aspirations.
He said, Malaysia’s economy performed strongly in the latter half of 2025, with GDP surging to 6.3% in the fourth quarter compared to 5.4% in the previous quarter.
Overall growth for 2025 reached 5.2%, exceeding the initial target of 4.0%–4.8%, despite global uncertainties.
“The country’s economic momentum is now on firmer ground. Our priority is to ensure this growth remains productive, sustainable and beneficial to the rakyat,” he said, noting that RMK13 will provide the primary framework for achieving higher, stable, and inclusive growth.
The Minister emphasised that strong statistics are critical in navigating an increasingly complex global environment marked by geopolitical shifts, supply chain restructuring, inflationary pressures, rapid digitalisation, and the transition to a future-oriented economy.
Accurate and timely economic data, he stressed, is essential for evidence-based policymaking, strategic planning, and assessing the effectiveness of government interventions.
The Economic Census 2026, known as BE 2026, represents the sixth iteration since its inception in 2001 and covers five major sectors: agriculture, construction, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, and services.
BE 2026 is designed to produce high-quality statistics to support national development agendas, including RMK13, digital transformation initiatives, sustainable development goals, and Malaysia MADANI’s inclusive and resilient economic framework. - February 23, 2026
