Malaysia to launch new open data portal

Malaysia will launch a revamped open data portal, which is now available in beta.

The new website makes it easier for startups and citizens to find the data they need.

Data is grouped by categories like education, health, transport, economy, and social services, rather than by agency. They can also request for specific datasets and formats by filling in a form on the website.

Some of the data has been presented in interactive charts, making it easier for citizens to understand the value of the data. The site has also been mobile optimized, automatically resizing to fit smaller screens on smartphones and tablets

. The new portal has been built by the Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department. It wants to “enhance the delivery of public services, promoting the sharing of data, innovations and good practices globally”, it said.

Malaysia is in the midst of an overhaul of its digital services, and the data portal is among the first of its new websites. The portal is now in beta version, and the agency is looking for feedback from users until 30 April.

The new website is available at beta.data.gov.my.