Lambakan data, AI cabaran utama sistem statistik negara

Ketua Perangkawan Malaysia, Siti Asiah Ahmad, has warned that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the surge in data dissemination on social media pose significant challenges to the country's statistical system. These challenges require the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) to become more agile and adaptable in the face of rapid technological change.

Siti Asiah emphasized that the ease with which anyone can generate data and disseminate it on digital platforms undermines the credibility of statistics, as people may be inclined to accept information without verifying its source or accuracy. She noted that this is particularly problematic when individuals claim the data they provide is sourced from DOSM, when it is not.

To address this issue, DOSM plans to continue providing clarifications and statistical literacy through various media channels, including social media, to ensure accurate and unbiased information dissemination. AI is also seen as having the potential to revolutionize the job landscape, including in statistical and data analysis fields, while also helping DOSM to produce more efficient and detailed statistics.

However, this requires a strong foundation in statistical knowledge and expertise to critically evaluate and validate any AI-generated information before use.

Moreover, advancing technology requires DOSM to reassess its workforce structure and needs, as well as the changing nature of work, especially in data collection, analysis, and statistical generation. Consequently, Siti Asiah highlighted the need for continuous development of DOSM staff capacity to explain statistics in simpler language to the public and media, aligning with the shift from conventional publishing to digital approaches.

The approval in Parliament also opens new avenues for strengthening DOSM's role as a pioneer in the national data and statistical ecosystem. The stronger foundation provided by this approval will enable DOSM to expand data sharing across ministries, agencies, and the private sector and to strengthen a whole-of-government approach to producing more timely, customized, and responsive statistics that meet national needs.