MyCensus 2020 is ongoing and requires all Malaysians to participate. Here’s all you to need to know.

What is MyCensus 2020?

Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 (MyCensus 2020) is a census project that is carried out in all housing and residential areas nationwide.

The census compiles the profiles of Malaysia’s population and households through a set of questionnaires, aimed at identifying Malaysia’s wide range of demographic and socio-economic characteristic for future government planning.

This year’s census is the sixth census carried out since 1963.

Why is it important?

The information obtained from the census is not only important to identify the population’s demographic and socio-economic characteristics but more importantly will determine how the government funding will be spent across the country.

The data gathered will help identify areas that are lacking especially in public services and infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, roads, and public transport and assist government and local authorities to make plans to meet the needs of the areas.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Economic Affairs Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said that “the population and housing data is very important for the government to formulate policies for the well-being of the nation. This is to ensure that every plan meets the needs of the target groups and no one is left out.”

Data Processing and Quality Management Centralized Briefing to the State Mycensus Hub, 1st October 2020 - mycensus.gov.my


Who needs to participate in MyCensus 2020?

Based on the Census Act 1960 (revised 1969), it is compulsory for all members of the public to participate.

All persons including non-citizens who had stayed or intended in Malaysia for 6 months or more in the year 2020 will be counted in MyCensus 2020  - mycensus.gov.my


One person for each household, usually the head of family, will be required to fill the out the census on behalf of the entire family.  For those who are renting a place or living with non-family members, one-person can fill out the census on behalf of the entire household.


As of 14th October, more than three million people have filled out the MyCensus 2020. - mycensus.gov.my

The government had recently extended the deadline for filling out the MyCensus 2020. The first phase will run till the 21st December after which the second phase of the MyCensus 2020 which involves face-to-face interviews will begin from 20 January to 6 February 2021.

Hence, if you missed the deadline on 21st December, you could expect a home visit by trained enumerators who will conduct door-to-door and face-to- face interviews to complete the MyCensus 2020.

How do we fill up MyCensus 2020?

Due to lifestyle changes everyone had to go through due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filling out the census could not have been easier. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has now introduced e-Census, which allows you to answer the questionnaire online.

Over three million postcards have be sent to residence around Malaysia containing the e-Census guide and link on the Census Portal for you to begin filling up the questionnaire.

You can also pre-register online to get your e-Census invitation code in the same link of the e-Census Portal.

After you have login into the e-Census portal, you are required to go through a total of 108 questions, covering topics such as housing, occupation, schooling, social relations, fitness and more. Fret no, you will only answer what applies to you.

Once you’re done, you have usefully contributed your part to the society.

Visit their website for more information.