It is responsible for the collection and interpretation of reliable statistics related to the economy, population, society and environment of Malaysia which the government primarily uses to assess, review and implement national public policies.

[1] The department conducts the Population and housing census of Malaysia (MyCensus) every 10 years.

[4] Through its various divisions, the department is responsible for the production and compilation of national accounts such as quarterly and annual gross domestic product (GDP), national income, consumption, savings, balance of payments (BOP).

The department's function and role had also been expanded to include data on the economy and society.

Under the act, the Sabah and Sarawak statistics office became a branch of the DOSM.