Page 133 - Special Topic Session (STS) - Volume 3

STS523 Shazura Z. A. et al.

Harnessing the value of administrative data: A
Central Bank’s experience
Shazura Zainol Abidin, Basyirah Mohd Khairi, Chen Tze Ling
Bank Negara Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

Abstract
Over the past few decades, the use of administrative data has witnessed a
growing demand and interest globally, due to the large volume of data
available and the low-cost nature of the collection process. In Malaysia, the
establishment of institutional arrangements between Bank Negara Malaysia
(the Bank) and several government agencies, mainly National Registry
Department (JPN), National Property Information Centre (NAPIC), etc. has
enabled the Bank to access a larger, population-based administrative records
collected by these official compilers. The enhanced and enlarged scope of
information resulting from integration of these administrative data with
periodical reports and published information, is indeed a value add to support
policy formulation, analysis and surveillance by the Bank. This paper aims to
provide an overview of the Bank’s experience in leveraging on administrative
records as an alternative and supplementary source of data to further enhance
and strengthen official findings, analyses and interpretations as well as to
facilitate the Bank to assume the role as a central bank. It also aims to highlight
the usage of administrative data by the Bank based on the existing
arrangements as well as upcoming initiatives. The challenges including legal,
policy, confidentiality, and technical issues will be discussed to address
limitations, improve efficiency and strengthen institutional engagements in
maximising the use of administrative data for the benefit of the Bank and the
nation as a whole.

Keywords
Supplementary; institutional arrangement; entity; property; individual

1. Introduction
Many countries worldwide are increasingly using administrative data to
improve statistical coverage in analysis and statistical publications.
Administrative data refers to data collected by government bodies or other
organisations in their day-to-day operations, where the data collection is not
primarily meant for statistical purposes, which can be leveraged to enhance
the quality of national statistics significantly, thus contributing to better
policymaking and economic performance. The benefits of using administrative
data as an alternative or complementary source includes reduction of cost,

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