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Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
DOSM to unveil National Agricultural Production Index to address critical data gaps
KEPALA BATAS, June 17 — The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will soon introduce a National Agricultural Production Index to strengthen food security by addressing critical data gaps in the agriculture sector. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the index, to be pushed quarterly, will offer a more comprehensive view of agricultural output, supporting evidence-based policymaking in a sector central to both livelihoods and economic stability. The index is being developed in collaboration with several government agencies and will mirror existing statistical frameworks used for the manufacturing, electricity and services sectors. 'This data will help identify which areas are experiencing increases in agricultural output and the information can be shared across agencies for planning and policy-making purposes,' he added. He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2024 Penang Interim Agriculture Census Report, officiated by State Agrotechnology, Food Security and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol here today. Until now, national agricultural statistics have focused primarily on palm oil and padi production, which he described as 'not comprehensive.' The new index, he said, will offer more structured and detailed coverage of the broader agricultural sector. Preliminary findings from the 2024 Agriculture Census indicate that the sector recorded sales of RM161 billion in 2023, employing 1.7 million people. These figures underscore the industry's potential if backed by strategic policies and innovation. In Penang alone, agricultural sales reached RM3.5 billion, despite the state's small size. Individual farmers accounted for 93.1 per cent of agricultural holdings, with organisations making up the remaining 6.9 per cent. The census also highlighted the active role played by senior citizens, with more than half of Malaysians aged 60 and above still engaged in agriculture. Mohd Uzir noted that the presence of older farmers in the field remains strong, while youth involvement presents further opportunities to enhance sector productivity. — Bernama
Malay Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
DoSM: Malaysia's labour force expands to 17.23 million in Q1 2025, unemployment remains stable at 3.1pc
PUTRAJAYA, May 23 — The national labour market remained robust in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025) with a 7.23 million labour force and a stable 3.1 per cent unemployment rate, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the positive performance was supported by continued improvements in employment and a decline in unemployment. The labour force grew by 458,700 persons to 17.23 million persons compared to 16.77 million persons in Q1 2024, driven by a 3.0 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in employed persons to 16.70 million. 'The labour force participation rate rose to 70.7 per cent (Q1 2024: 70.5 per cent), while the number of unemployed persons declined to 526,300, with the unemployment rate remaining stable at 3.1 per cent,' he said in a statement today. In addressing the underemployment situation, he noted that sustained employment growth in Q1 2025 led to a notable decline in underemployment indicators. 'The number of persons working less than 30 hours per week decreased by 11.1 per cent y-o-y to 242,700 persons. 'Time-related underemployment also registered a decline of 9.2 per cent, totalling 146,900 persons, with the rate of 1.5 per cent,' he said. He also said Malaysia's labour market in Q1 2025 was adapting to the growing challenges of Industry 4.0. 'To meet the rising need for digital expertise, the government has committed to an initiative of RM20 million to train 5,000 Malaysians in key tech sectors and strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes with internationally recognised certifications,' he added. — Bernama
