Malaysia plans single open-data framework for three laws
Malaysia will merge the Data Sharing Act 2025, the Statistics Bill 2026 and the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 into one open-data governance framework, according to Research for Social Advancement.
Source: Research for Social Advancement · August 12, 2026 at 7:56 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 13 AUGUST 2026 —
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Malaysia will merge the Data Sharing Act 2025, the Statistics Bill 2026 and the Freedom of Information Bill 2026 into one open-data governance framework, according to Research for Social Advancement.
Market Impact
The unified framework will require non-sensitive information to be published proactively in accessible and reusable formats, mandate interoperable government systems, restrict secrecy to clear harm-based tests, and allow refusals to be reviewed independently.
Research for Social Advancement said better access to official data can reduce duplicated collection, fragmented digital applications and delays in public service delivery.
The think tank added that reliable data can support more targeted labour-market and social policies and give researchers, businesses, civil society and citizens a bigger role in policymaking.
The parliamentary Special Select Committee reviewing the FOI Bill should use the process to align it with the Data Sharing Act and the Statistics Bill, and the broader open-data architecture, according to Research for Social Advancement.