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| The Data: Coverage, Periodicity, and Timeliness | ||||||||||||
| Coverage characteristics | 5.1.1 Statistical presentation Data are disseminated in Malaysian Ringgit on total exports (at f.o.b.values), and total imports (at c.i.f. values). | |||||||||||
| Periodicity | 4.1.1 Periodicity Monthly and Annually | |||||||||||
| Timeliness | 4.1.2 Timeliness 6 weeks after the end of the reference month. | |||||||||||
| Access by the Public | ||||||||||||
| Advance dissemination of release calendar | 5.1.3 Advance release calendar An advance release calendar that gives one-quarter-ahead notice of the approximate release dates and the precise release date no later than the end of the week prior to release of the data is disseminated on the Internet on the IMF's Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board | |||||||||||
| Simultaneous release to all interested parties | 5.1.4 Simultaneous release A press release on preliminary external trade data is issued to all media agencies by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). At the same time, preliminary data are posted on the Department of Statistics' website (http://www.statistics.gov.my) as well as MITI website (http://www.miti.gov.my).
Subsequently, 6-7 days after the release of the preliminary data, the publication, Monthly External Trade Statistics is available. | |||||||||||
| Integrity | ||||||||||||
| Dissemination of terms and conditions under which official statistics are produced, including those relating to the confidentiality of individually identifiable information | 0.1.1 Responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistics Department of Statistics Statistical data are collected, compiled and disseminated under the terms and conditions of the Statistics Act 1965 (Revised-1989). The Chief Statistician for DOS is the Government’s principal adviser on statistical matters relating to methodology, compilation and dissemination of official statistics. The Statistics Act is accessible to the public and is available on the website of DOS (http://www.statistics.gov.my/eng/images/stories/files/departmentinfo/Statistics_Act.pdf). Data on the industrial production index are disseminated by DOS as a service to the public. Merchandise trade The data on merchandise trade are disseminated by DOSM as a service to the public. 0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data producing agencies Department of Statistics The Chief Statistician coordinates the work of out posted statistical units and monitors their technical standards. The DOS is responsible for recruiting and training statistical staff deployed to out posted statistical units and will provide professional advice and assistance to them when deemed necessary. Through these arrangements, coordination of statistical work is achieved and the quality standard of statistical work is maintained across the Government.0.1.3 Confidentiality of individual reporters' data Department of Statistics All statistics collected and published by DOS are governed by the Statistics Act 1965 (Revised- 1989). Under the terms of this Act, DOS cannot publish, or otherwise make available to any individual or organization, statistics that would enable the identification of data for any individual person or entity without prior consent. The Statistics Act stipulates that: (1) all censuses or statistical surveys conducted by DOS, whether of mandatory or voluntary nature, are subject to the same legal provision for protection of confidentiality of information supplied by respondents, and (2) only aggregate statistical information will be published such that information relating to any particular individual or undertaking will be kept strictly confidential and will not be divulged to other parties. Respondents selected for participation in DOS surveys are duly informed in writing of their obligations and rights in regard to the provision of information in the surveys concerned. They are also assured that the information they provide will be kept in strict confidence and that only aggregate statistical information will be released. 0.1.4 Ensuring statistical reporting Department of Statistics The Statistics Act provides for the compulsory submission of data by the respondents and the dissemination of data at an aggregated level. There is penalty provision for respondents failing to provide the required information within the time specified. To gain and maintain the support from raw data suppliers in furnishing quality data in various statistical surveys, DOS conducts discussion sessions with them and pays courtesy visits to prominent establishments from time to time. Prompt assistance is rendered to survey respondents to facilitate their data reporting whenever applicable of queries or requests relating to the surveys under reference are raised. Their replies will be duly addressed at the earliest convenience. 0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing Department of Statistics Staff, computing and financing resources for the current statistical programmes can be considered adequate. However, there are reviewed from time to time to take into account the needs of the Government and stakeholders for the production of social and economic statistics. The Department also provides consultation and support services on statistical matters to various Government departments. DOS attaches great importance to developing its staff to their full potential through instituting a comprehensive range of training and development programmes for staff. The primary objective of these programmes is to nurture staff to maximise individual performance for the effective functioning of the department. In particular, professional staffs are often sent to attend training courses, workshops, seminars and conferences held locally and overseas, thus facilitating the sharing of experience and exchange of ideas with statistical experts and practitioners outside the department. Information technology is applied throughout the statistical processes including sampling frame maintenance, sample selection, data collection, data processing, data analysis and data dissemination. Advanced information technology applications and e-government initiatives are adopted as far as practicable to create an e-enabled work environment, which facilitates statistical operations to be conducted electronically for enhanced efficiency. 0.2.2 Ensuring efficient use of resources Department of Statistics Allocation of resources staff, facilities and financing follows the procedures stipulated by the relevant circulars of the Government. DOS updates once every 5 years its corporate planning documents which consist of, among other materials, a set of work programme covering all the major activities of the department. Each work programme describes the resources involved, linkage to other work programmes, its main outputs and their uses, efficiency initiatives and future developments. This programme management structure approach ensures that resources are utilised effectively, efficiently and in the right priorities in support of relevant policy decisions. 0.3.1 Monitoring user requirements Department of Statistics The Statistics Steering Committee and the Main Users Committee determine guidelines, policy and priorities for statistical activities. Statistical professional officers of DOS also participate actively in international conferences, workshops, seminars and working groups to keep themselves updated on the current trends and developments in the international statistical community. Data users are kept informed of statistical activities with significant impact. Examples include Gross Domestic Product, Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification, Industrial Production Index, Consumer Price Index, Population Census and launch of new statistical series. In particular, consultations are made with stakeholders in the form of meetings, seminars, briefing sessions or informal contacts to ensure that DOS outputs are relevant and useful to them. 0.4.1 Quality policy Department of Statistics DOS is committed to rendering quality statistical services. DOS’s role is “To increase and broaden its role as the premier agency in the field of statistics towards establishing a quality, user-oriented and timely information system for the formulation of policies for national development planning and administration”. Continuous and dedicated efforts are made by the Department to meet this pledge. All levels of staff are tasked with (i) employing effective means to ensure the statistical outputs are of quality standard, (ii) conducting regular reviews on performance of statistical systems, and (iii) cultivating the mindset of quality assurance among all the supporting staff. Necessary procedures and mechanisms are established in statistical system to achieve quality assurance at both the methodological and conceptual level and the production level. The Industrial Production Index is certified Malaysia Standard ISO 9001:2000 in 2008. 0.4.2 Quality monitoring Department of Statistics A comprehensive review programme of the quality assurance mechanism of various statistical systems is in place involving self-assessment of the statistical processes concerned. The self-assessment is carried out by professional staff responsible for the statistical systems concerned. 0.4.3 Quality planning Department of Statistics In planning new programmes and reviewing existing ones, the quality element is always given due consideration. Opinions and feedback from users on quality standards and data requirements, as well as other factors such as resource availability, timeliness, and respondent burden are all taken into account.1.1.1 Impartiality of statistics Department of Statistics Statistics are compiled under the terms and conditions of the Statistics Act. Through the Statistics Act, DOS is designated with a clear and independent role in collecting, analysing and disseminating statistical information. Comprehensive training (including in-house and external training) is provided to staff in the areas of statistical knowledge and management, information technology and general management. Professional officers of the department are sent to attend training courses/workshops, seminars and conferences held locally and overseas from time to time. Besides formal programmes, supplementary schemes are also in place to facilitate knowledge consolidation and enhancement among staff members through participation in sharing sessions in their workplace. For similar purposes, regular and ad hoc sectional meetings and discussions are held at the workplace for generating new, innovative ideas essential for organisational management and advancement. 1.1.2 Selection of sources, methodology, and modes of dissemination Department of Statistics DOS has the responsibility for matters on methodology and compilation and dissemination of official statistics. Decisions on the uses of data sources and statistical techniques are made by DOS with regards to international standards, data requirements, technical and cost considerations. Decisions on the dissemination of statistics as well as the timing, media and other aspects of statistics dissemination are based solely on statistical considerations and the ease of accessibility by the public. 1.1.3 Commenting on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics Department of Statistics DOS gives attention to the correct reporting and interpretation of official statistics by the media. Enquiry telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are always provided in statistical releases to facilitate the media and the public in making enquiries with the subject officers concerned. Where relevant, seminars on specific statistical topics are organised for the media to promote proper reporting and interpretation of official statistics. Whenever erroneous reporting or interpretation of statistics is detected, every effort is made to contact the relevant party in the first instance and clarify the matter in writing, providing suitable elaboration and supporting information as appropriate. 1.2.1 Disclosure of terms and conditions for statistical collection, processing, and dissemination Department of Statistics The public can access the Statistics Act via DOS website http://www.statistics.gov.my/eng/images/stories/files/departmentinfo/Statistics_Act.pdf 1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior Department of Statistics The Department attaches great importance to promoting high standard of conduct and integrity among its staff members. The code and conduct of the staff of the Department are subject to the Statistics Act 1965 (Revised-1989) and the Code of Ethics of DOS as well as procedures stipulated in the relevant circulars of the Government to provide guideline for staff. The management of DOS is determined to embed a culture of integrity and honesty at all levels. | |||||||||||
| Identification of internal government access to data before release | 1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to release Department of Statistics In very exceptional circumstances (e.g. necessary for preparation of important policy documents), statistics may also be provided to other senior officials strictly on a need-to-know basis no more than one working day before the scheduled release date. | |||||||||||
| Identification of ministerial commentary on the occasion of statistical releases | 1.2.3 Attribution of statistical products Department of Statistics There is no ministerial commentary accompanying the release of data. In the press release issued in the name of DOS, it is clearly stated that the part on statistical figures is provided by the Department. All official statistical publications and products produced by DOS carry the name of the Department. For those statistics provided by other Government Departments and organisations which are included in DOS publications, the data sources are always clearly quoted. DOS requests that parties reproducing statistics published by the department for their own purposes duly acknowledge DOS as the data source. | |||||||||||
| Provision of information about revision and advance notice of major changes in methodology | 4.3.1 Revision schedule The provisional data which are fully validated, is available to the public in two weeks after the release of the preliminary data. 4.3.2 Identification of preliminary and/or revised data The data are preliminary when first released. The provisional data which are fully validated, is available to the public in two weeks after the release of the preliminary data. 1.2.4 Advance notice of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques. Department of Statistics Changes in methodology and statistical techniques used in compiling a statistical series are described in the relevant press release and survey report during the first time of release of the revised series for users' reference. | |||||||||||
| Quality | ||||||||||||
| Dissemination of documentation on methodology and sources used in preparing statistics | 5.2.1 Dissemination of documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques Information on the concepts and methodology is published in every issue of the monthly "External Trade Statistics" and the annual "External Trade Statistics". (See also summary methodology) | |||||||||||
| Dissemination of component detail, reconciliations with related data, and statistical frameworks that support statistical cross-checks and provide assurance of reasonableness | 4.2.1 Internal consistency The monthly "External Trade Statistics" publishes summary data for the reference month showing merchandise trade at the 1- digit level ( the section level), the 2 -digit level (division level), the 3-digit level ( the group level), and selected 9-digit import/export commodities (SITC/HS) of approximately 4,600 items but aggregated into 120 broad "headings". Data at the 9-digit tariff line, classified according to either the SITC (Rev.3) or HS, and partner country (150 countries), are available upon request. | |||||||||||
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