Page 242 - Contributed Paper Session (CPS) - Volume 8

CPS2269 TEY Nai Peng et al.

Spatial Demographic Analysis at the Sub-
National Levels
2
2
1
Tey Nai Peng , Datin Rozita Talha , Ezatul Nisha Abdul Rahman , Muhamad
Fadzil Ismail
2
1 University of Malaya
2 Department of Statistics Malaysia

Abstract
While there is a rather sizable literature on the demographic dynamics in
Malaysia, spatial demographic analysis is lacking, although space is a crucial
element for demographic studies. A better knowledge of the demographic
dynamics at the sub-national levels is essential for planning in terms of
resource allocation and provision of infrastructure and services. This paper
provides an illustrative spatial demographic analysis using data from
Malaysian population censuses, and vital statistics. The paper deals with
population growth and distribution/concentration, fertility, mortality, pupil-
teacher ratio, and population ageing. It is hoped that this paper will provide
inputs for the 2020 population census, stimulate interest in spatial
demography, which will result in more e effective utilization of demographic
data for development planning.

Keywords
Demographic Dynamics; Sub-National Levels; Population Censuses; spatial

Introduction
There is a rather sizable literature on Malaysia's demographic dynamics
(Chandran et al. 1977; Sidhu and Jones, 1981; Arshat et al., 1988; Saw, 2007;
Leete, 1996; Tey et al., 2015). Space is a crucial element in demographic
studies, and a good knowledge of the spatial demography is needed for
planning (Marcia Caldas de Castro, undated). However, demographic analysis
at the sub-national levels is lacking. The few spatial demographic analyses
reveal wide differentials in the demographic dynamics and the health
conditions across the districts (Tey, Tan and Arshat, 1985; Nuzlinda and
Syerrina, 2012; Ling, et al., 2014; Azreena et al., 2016).
In keeping with the increasing demand for Small Area Statistics (SAS),
DOSM has been publishing SAS such as the decennial population censuses,
annual vital statistics, state/district data bank, state/district social statistics,
wholesale and retail trade and other statistics by district, and these are
available in the form of interactive database. It is hoped that the availability of
SAS will encourage and enhance spatial demographic analysis.

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