Putrajaya: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) intends to develop a dashboard for hawkers and small traders nationwide this year, as an effort to empower the community comprehensively through the provision of up-to-date and comprehensive data.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin stated that DOSM, in collaboration with the Putrajaya Hawkers and Small Traders Association (PENJAYA), has launched the PENJAYA Dashboard. This data-driven strategic initiative aims to empower the group and represents the close cooperation between government agencies and the community. It demonstrates the potential of data to strengthen the micro sector and support more inclusive policies.
Mohd Uzir emphasized the need to strengthen the institution of hawkers and small traders using the latest methods, highlighting the sense of community that a dashboard can foster. He remarked on the importance of developing this tool for the entire country, which will serve as a reference with news, updates, and events.
The event also saw the attendance of Coalition of Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations of Malaysia (GPPPKMM) president Datuk Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid and PENJAYA president Juhaidi Yean Abdullah. DOSM plans to collaborate with GPPPKM to ensure that the data in the dashboard is accurate and not manipulated, by identifying hawkers and small traders nationwide.
The dashboard will present collected and analyzed data interactively, enabling public and private agencies, as well as entrepreneur development agencies, to take more precise and targeted actions. Mohd Uzir mentioned that DOSM is committed to bringing statistical services closer to the people, and that the dashboard’s development did not involve high costs.
Meanwhile, Zainal Abidin noted that the dashboard will allow all parties to obtain up-to-date data accurately, which is crucial for distributing aid and applying for government funding. He pointed out that the association’s data is usually not updated, making the dashboard a valuable tool for the community.