Have You Submitted Your e-Census For Banci 2020? Here's What You Need To Do If You Haven't

Also known as the Malaysia Population and Housing Census 2020, Banci 2020 is our nation's sixth official census and involves the whole of Malaysia - all 32.7 million people. For those of you who remember taking part in Banci previously, you'll find that this census is a bit different than before.

Since 1970, Banci has been conducted in Malaysia once every 10 years.

Usually, census enumerators, or pembanci, will visit door-to-door to interview the households. However, due to the recent global COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) introduced e-Census, which allows you to reply to the questionnaire online.

If you're selected from three million households to take part in the e-Census for the first phase, you would have received a postcard containing your mailing address and a special 11-digit invitation code. Over three million postcards have been sent nationwide, but don't worry if you haven't received it, because you can pre-register online to get your e-Census invitation code in the same link of the e-Census Portal.

STEP 1: Go through the first-time login process
STEP 2: Receive your One-Time Password (OTP)
STEP 3: Login to the e-Census portal
STEP 4: Complete the questionnaire and submit

If you're wondering what kind of questions you'll be asked, here's a sneak peek:

Some of you may be thinking why the questionnaire is too long (with 108 questions), and whether you need to answer every question. However, don't be overwhelmed, because you will only have to answer the general questions and those specifically related to you.

According to the DOSM, the maximum number of questions you'll end up answering would be 42 questions, so it won't take up too much of your time. Plus, if you can't finish answering the questionnaire in a day, you can always login again the next day to continue.

You'll find that the e-Census questionnaire will cover topics like housing, occupation, schooling, social relations, and more. While some people may think of Banci 2020 as just a way to get a headcount of Malaysia, the truth is that it's so much more than that.

To put things in perspective, the census will help determine how we spend government funding worth billions of ringgit across the country, including for development of public services like hospitals, schools, roads, and public transport.

For instance, data on housing and nearby amenities will help local authorities decide on what to develop. If an area shows signs of people falling sick often, and there are no medical facilities within a 10km radius, it may be an indication to build a hospital or clinic nearby. Besides hard data, the e-Census also hopes to get a better understanding on the well-being of people living in Malaysia.

That's why it's important to answer truthfully when going through the e-Census questionnaire - the way you answer could affect how your local community develops in the coming years. While the impact may not be immediate, you are providing data that will allow the next generation to have a better standard of living.

One person per household, usually the ketua isi rumah, will be responsible for filling out the e-Census on behalf of the entire family staying under one roof. If you have children or dependents, you'll want to make sure you have the necessary documents, like their IC number, before starting to fill the e-Census.

For people renting a home or sharing a place with non-family members, one person should also be designated to fill out the e-Census on behalf of all the other housemates.

Pro-Tip: Do note that all the information you fill up should be based on Hari Banci, or Census Day, which is 7 July 2020. If you just moved to a new home after 7 July, you should still answer based on your old home.

Rest assured that Banci 2020 will not disclose your personal data. Instead, only aggregate data and insights will be published to help the nation move forward. The great thing about the e-Census is that you can fill it up securely on the official portal, without having to talk to someone face-to-face or on the phone.

Take note that Banci 2020 will never ask about your financial or donation information, political views or parties, and bank or credit card information.

If you are being asked such questions, never reveal these private information, but immediately report it or call the DOSM hotline at 1-800-88-7720.

Don't worry, because not all Malaysians will be completing Banci 2020 via the e-Census. After the 30 September 2020 deadline for the e-Census, the government will be running a second phase of Banci 2020 that will involve face-to-face interviews from 7 to 24 October 2020.

During this second phase, nearly 100,000 pembanci will be tasked with going door-to-door to interview those who have not completed the e-Census. They will even be going into the rural areas to get an accurate depiction of staying in Malaysia.

So, if you didn't get the e-Census or missed the deadline, just wait for more information on when you'll need to be at home to participate in the face-to-face Banci 2020 interview.

Or scan these QR codes to get more information.