| 1. Unable to identify the data source. |
| >>The project team was able to identify the appropriate agency or organization as a source of information or an alternative source of information. |
| 2. The website or database of government agencies was down or inaccessible. |
| >>The project team was able to obtain the information directly from the government agency if the data was not available online – in some cases obtaining the data by the direct way was preferred because the quality and level of data were trustworthy. |
| 3. The collected data was outdated. |
| >>Liaising directly with the agency or alternative agency meant that up-to-date and better quality data was available. |
| 4. Some data was highly classified and non-sharable for public use. |
| >>The classified data was obtainable by following the official channel of data request. |
| 5. The collected data did not satisfy the requirement, for example, no data at the sub-district level, no record of gender, etc. |
| >>The ADPC team was able to map out and engage additional or alternative agencies from whom information could be obtained. |
| 6. Raw data was not summarized for the number of genders or classified into the sub-district level. |
| >>Explored a new tool/software to be used for data collection. |
| 7. Some raw data was less user-friendly for a new user. For example, GIS data. |
| >>The research team was able to adapt the information into a useable format. |
| 8. Documents sent via post were lost. |
| >>The information was obtained by utilizing alternative modes of collection. |
| 9. Poor fax and telephone signals. |
| >>The data was obtained by utilizing various modes of contact and making visits to the agency where necessary. |
| 10. There was a change of person-in-charge and no hand over among them or missing documents. |
| >>The data was obtained by being proactive in identifying an alternative focal person from who to coordinate with at respective agencies. |
| 11. Time consumption of getting data after sending official requirement, for example, it took 2-5 days in response from one agency. |
| >>Plan in advance for future assignments; refer to the mapping of agencies undertaken for this exploratory survey for undertaking further similar studies in the future. |
| 12. No data was available from secondary data sources. |
| >> Removed the variables from the table and made a note in the gap of available data to inform possible primary data collection in the future. |
