Lambakan data, AI cabaran utama sistem statistik negara

Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM) is grappling with two major challenges: unverified data circulating on social media and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), according to its Chief Statistician, Siti Asiah Ahmad. "Unverified figures on digital platforms pose a challenge because people are increasingly likely to trust data without checking its source, accuracy and context," she told Bernama.

The situation becomes more serious when individuals use specific figures and claim them to be sourced from DOSM, despite the data not being a publication of the agency. To address these challenges, DOSM aims to continuously improve its staff's capacities through training and literacy, using various media channels to disseminate accurate information.

The rise of AI is seen as a potential game-changer in the job landscape, including in statistical and data analysis fields. However, AI can also assist DOSM in generating more efficient and detailed statistics. For AI to be effectively utilized, it must be supported by strong statistical knowledge and expertise, ensuring that information is evaluated and verified before use.

Siti Asiah emphasized that without knowledge, one can only rely on whatever AI produces without the ability to verify or develop further. The technological change also requires DOSM to reassess its workforce structure and needs, as well as changes in the nature of work in the future, particularly in data collection, analysis, and statistics generation.

Consequently, DOSM must develop its staff capacities continuously to ensure the organization remains relevant and resilient, especially in data collection, analysis, and statistics generation. "This step is crucial to ensure the organization stays relevant and capable, alongside strengthening efforts to enhance statistical literacy among the public," she said.

Statistics is more than just numbers. The public needs to understand the sources, context, and how a particular number is generated. This is a task that DOSM must tackle with utmost responsibility. DOSM also needs to bolster its staff's ability to explain statistics in a more understandable language for the public and media, in line with the shift from conventional publishing to digital approaches.

The approval in Parliament has opened new horizons for strengthening DOSM's role as a pioneer of the national data and statistics ecosystem. With a more solid foundation, DOSM will be able to expand cross-departmental data sharing, enhance a whole-of-government approach to generate more timely, personalized, and responsive statistics to meet national needs.