PETALING JAYA, July 8 (Sin Chew Daily) – Members of the public are reminded to verify the identity of a census official and request that the official produce relevant identification documents during the population census campaign, in view of past criminal incidents involving bogus officials.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said if a resident feels unsafe alone at home when the official visits, he or she can always request that the official come another day.

"Please contact the nearest police station for help if you have any doubt."

Abdul Hamid also urged census officials to inform the nearest police station before conducting door-to-door visits.

The first phase of census 2020 runs from now until September 30, mainly to encourage members of the public to visit the official website to answer the questions in a bid to minimize the risk of coronavirus infection.

During the second phase from October 7 to 24, census officials will collect the data through door-to-door visits.