As of July 2024, 70.4 percent of the Malaysian population were classified as Bumiputera, 22.4 percent were classified as ethnic Chinese, and 6.5 percent as ethnic Indians. Those who do not fall under these three main ethnic groups are classified as ‘Other’. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society with three main ethnicities and language groups. Who are Malaysia’s Bumiputera? Bumiputera, meaning sons of the soil, is a term used to categorize the Malays, as well as the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, also known as orang asli, and the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak. As of July 2023, the Bumiputera share of the population in Sabah was 89 percent, while that in Sarawak was 76.1 percent. Thus, the incorporation of the states of Sabah and Sarawak during the formation of Malaysia ensured that the ethnic Malays were able to maintain a majority share of the Malaysian population. Bumiputera privileges and ethnic-based politics The rights and privileges of the Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak are enshrined in Article 153 of Malaysia’s constitution. This translated, in practice, to a policy of affirmative action to improve the economic situation of this particular group, through the New Economic Policy introduced in 1971. 50 years on, it is questionable whether the policy has achieved its aim. Bumiputeras still lag behind the other ethnic two major groups in terms of monthly household income. However, re-thinking this policy will certainly be met by opposition from those who have benefitted from it.

In 2023, the crude rate of natural increase for the Bumiputera population in Malaysia was ****, the highest among all ethnic groups in Malaysia. By comparison, the crude rate of natural increase for the Chinese population was the lowest.

Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Top 20%: Bumiputera data was reported at 11,819.000 MYR in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 10,301.000 MYR for 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Top 20%: Bumiputera data is updated yearly, averaging 11,060.000 MYR from Dec 2014 (Median) to 2016, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,819.000 MYR in 2016 and a record low of 10,301.000 MYR in 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Top 20%: Bumiputera data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H033: Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey: Monthly Gross Income: Household Group: Median and Mean: by Ethnic Group.

ObjectivesLiterature shows a high prevalence of MetS among Malaysians, varying across the major ethnicities. Since sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and diet habits of such communities have been reported to be diverse, the objective of this study was to investigate the association of various sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and diet habits with MetS overall, as well as with the three major ethnic communities in Malaysia, specifically.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 481 Malaysians of ages 18 years and above living in the state of Johor, Malaysia. Information on demographics, lifestyle and diet habits were collected using a structured questionnaire. Harmonized criteria were used to assess the status of MetS. Multiple logistic regression was employed to determine any associations between sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and dietary behaviours with MetS.ResultsMetS was found among 32.2% of the respondents and was more prevalent among the Indians (51.9%), followed by the Malays (36.7%) and the Chinese (20.2%). Overall, increasing age (AOR = 2.44[95%CI = 1.27–4.70] at 40–49 years vs. AOR = 4.14[95%CI = 1.97–8.69] at 60 years and above) and Indian ethnicity (AOR = 1.95[95%CI = 1.12–3.38)] increased the odds of MetS, while higher education (AOR = 0.44[95%CI = 0.20–0.94] decreased the odds of MetS in this population. Quick finishing of meals (AOR = 2.17[95%CI = 1.02–4.60]) and low physical activity (AOR = 4.76[95%CI = 1.49–15.26]) were associated with increased odds of MetS among the Malays and the Chinese, respectively.ConclusionThe population of Johor depicts a diverse lifestyle and diet behaviour, and some of these factors are associated with MetS in certain ethnic groups. In the light of such differences, ethnic specific measures would be needed to reduce the prevalence of MetS among those in this population.

In 2022, ethnic Chinese households had the highest mean monthly household income in Malaysia, at around 10.66 thousand Malaysian ringgit. This was more than three thousand ringgit higher than Bumiputera households. Despite the implementation of affirmative action through Article 153 of the Malaysian constitution, the economic position of the Bumiputera vis-à-vis other ethnicities still left much room for improvement.

Historical policies, ethnicity, and the urban-rural divide The Bumiputera make up the majority of the Malaysian population, yet have one of the lowest average monthly household incomes in Malaysia. This economic disparity could be explained by the effects of colonial policies that kept the Bumiputera largely in the countryside. This resulted in an urban-rural divide that was characterized by ethnicity, with the immigrant Chinese and Indian laborers concentrated in the urban centers, a demographic pattern that is still evident today.

There was a considerable difference in urban and rural household incomes in Malaysia, with urban household income being around 3.6 thousand ringgit more than rural households. This was largely due to the fact that wages in urban areas had to keep up with the higher cost of living there. This thus impacted the average monthly incomes of the largely rural-based Bumiputera and the largely urban-based ethnic Chinese. This visible wealth inequality has led to racial tensions in Malaysia, and it is still one of the problem in the country amidst a new government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was elected in 2022.

A survey conducted by Vodus Insights on residential property in the Kluang Valley area in Malaysia found that ** percent of home buyers in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur were of Malay ethnicity. The second-largest ethnic group among home buyers in Kuala Lumpur were Chinese, making up ** percent.

Data dikeluarkan oleh Institut Kanser Negara, Malaysia, 2007-2011

Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Urban: Top 20%: Bumiputera data was reported at 13,016.000 MYR in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 11,587.000 MYR for 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Urban: Top 20%: Bumiputera data is updated yearly, averaging 12,301.500 MYR from Dec 2014 (Median) to 2016, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,016.000 MYR in 2016 and a record low of 11,587.000 MYR in 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Urban: Top 20%: Bumiputera data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H033: Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey: Monthly Gross Income: Household Group: Median and Mean: by Ethnic Group.

HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Urban: Top 20%: Indians data was reported at 13,740.000 MYR in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 12,372.000 MYR for 2014. HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Urban: Top 20%: Indians data is updated yearly, averaging 13,056.000 MYR from Dec 2014 (Median) to 2016, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,740.000 MYR in 2016 and a record low of 12,372.000 MYR in 2014. HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Urban: Top 20%: Indians data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H033: Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey: Monthly Gross Income: Household Group: Median and Mean: by Ethnic Group.

Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Mean: Urban: Top 20%: Others data was reported at 12,624.000 MYR in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 17,087.000 MYR for 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Mean: Urban: Top 20%: Others data is updated yearly, averaging 14,855.500 MYR from Dec 2014 (Median) to 2016, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17,087.000 MYR in 2014 and a record low of 12,624.000 MYR in 2016. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Mean: Urban: Top 20%: Others data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H033: Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey: Monthly Gross Income: Household Group: Median and Mean: by Ethnic Group.

In 2023, the crude death rate of the ethnic Indian in Malaysia was 8.3 deaths for every 1,000 people, the highest among other ethnic groups. By comparison, the crude death rate of the Bumiputera, the largest ethnic group in Malaysia, was at 5.8 deaths per 1,000 people.

There were 30 997 000 Facebook users in Malaysia in June 2025, which accounted for 87.8% of its entire population. The majority of them were men - 52%. People aged 25 to 34 were the largest user group (10 200 000). The highest difference between men and women occurs within people aged 25 to 34, where men lead by 5 600 000.

This data set shows Population by Age Group, Sex and Ethnic Group, Sabah, 1970-2020notes: Value for year 1970 based on the adjusted data 1970 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia.Value for year 1980 based on the adjusted data 1980 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia.Value for year 1991 based on the adjusted data 1991 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia.Value for year 2010 based on the adjusted data 2010 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia.Value for year 1971-1979, 1981-1990, 1992-199, 2001-2009, 2011-2020 base on Intercensal mid-year population estimatesThe added total may differ due to rounding.Population ethnic group only available from 1980 onward

Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Top 20%: Chinese data was reported at 16,392.000 MYR in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 14,442.000 MYR for 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Top 20%: Chinese data is updated yearly, averaging 15,417.000 MYR from Dec 2014 (Median) to 2016, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16,392.000 MYR in 2016 and a record low of 14,442.000 MYR in 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Top 20%: Chinese data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H033: Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey: Monthly Gross Income: Household Group: Median and Mean: by Ethnic Group.

In 2023, the number of deaths among the Bumiputera population, the largest ethnic group in Malaysia, reached nearly 123,000. By comparison, the number of deaths among the Malaysian Chinese population was around 51,800.

According to NapoleonCat, the highest share of Instagram users in Malaysia in 2024 were female between the ages of 18 to 24 years old, with **** percent of the total share. In the same year, there were approximately ***** million Instagram users in Malaysia, of which **** percent were female.

Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Rural: Top 20%: Indians data was reported at 7,734.000 MYR in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 6,007.000 MYR for 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Rural: Top 20%: Indians data is updated yearly, averaging 6,870.500 MYR from Dec 2014 (Median) to 2016, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7,734.000 MYR in 2016 and a record low of 6,007.000 MYR in 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: Monthly Gross Income: Median: Rural: Top 20%: Indians data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H033: Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey: Monthly Gross Income: Household Group: Median and Mean: by Ethnic Group.

In 2022, with more than ******* people, the ethnic Malay was the largest group of public assistance recipients from the Department of Social Welfare in Malaysia. The second-largest group was the Chinese Malaysian with more than ****** recipients of financial assistance in the same year.

Malaysia HIBAS: % of Monthly Gross Income: Top 20%: Bumiputera data was reported at 45.000 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 45.500 % for 2014. Malaysia HIBAS: % of Monthly Gross Income: Top 20%: Bumiputera data is updated yearly, averaging 49.750 % from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2016, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 54.900 % in 1976 and a record low of 45.000 % in 2016. Malaysia HIBAS: % of Monthly Gross Income: Top 20%: Bumiputera data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H036: Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey: Percentage of Monthly Gross Income: Household Group: by Ethnic Group.

There were 15 676 300 Instagram users in Malaysia in July 2024, which accounted for 44.4% of its entire population. The majority of them were women - 55.6%. People aged 25 to 34 were the largest user group (5 600 000). The highest difference between men and women occurs within people aged 18 to 24, where women lead by 2 200 000.