This is in view of the recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the country, said Mustapa Mohamed.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economic Affairs) said in a statement today that the second phase, which involves face-to-face interviews, was originally scheduled for Oct 7-24.

The first phase of the census — e-census and computer-assisted telephone interviews — which was extended to Oct 6 from Sept 30 will continue from Oct 7 until Dec 21, he said.

“During this period, members of the public who have yet to complete filling in the census form are advised to do so at https://www.mycensus.gov.my/.

“This is to reduce the number of face-to-face interviews to prevent the risk of Covid-19 infection,” he said.

Mustapa said the Census Act 1960 (Revised 1969) requires members of the public to participate in the census and answer the questionnaire.

“The population and housing data is very important for the government to formulate policies for the well-being of the nation.

“This is to ensure that every plan meets the needs of the target groups and no one is left out,” he said.