In 2022, around **** percent of Malaysians had monthly household income between two thousand to five thousand Malaysian ringgit. By comparison, around **** percent of people in Malaysian had more than ****** Malaysian ringgit of monthly household income. The current

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.

Malaysia Gini Coefficient (GINI Index): World Bank Estimate data was reported at 41.000 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 41.300 % for 2013. Malaysia Gini Coefficient (GINI Index): World Bank Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 46.150 % from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2015, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 49.100 % in 1997 and a record low of 41.000 % in 2015. Malaysia Gini Coefficient (GINI Index): World Bank Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Poverty. Gini index measures the extent to which the distribution of income (or, in some cases, consumption expenditure) among individuals or households within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution. A Lorenz curve plots the cumulative percentages of total income received against the cumulative number of recipients, starting with the poorest individual or household. The Gini index measures the area between the Lorenz curve and a hypothetical line of absolute equality, expressed as a percentage of the maximum area under the line. Thus a Gini index of 0 represents perfect equality, while an index of 100 implies perfect inequality.; ; World Bank, Development Research Group. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. For more information and methodology, please see PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/index.htm).; ; The World Bank’s internationally comparable poverty monitoring database now draws on income or detailed consumption data from more than one thousand six hundred household surveys across 164 countries in six regions and 25 other high income countries (industrialized economies). While income distribution data are published for all countries with data available, poverty data are published for low- and middle-income countries and countries eligible to receive loans from the World Bank (such as Chile) and recently graduated countries (such as Estonia) only. See PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/WhatIsNew.aspx) for definitions of geographical regions and industrialized countries.

Abstract

The Household Income/Basic Amenities Survey (HIS/BA) 2009 is the latest income survey carried out by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia after the last survey conducted in 2007. The survey is implemented twice in five years. The publication provides data on income, poverty and basic amenities at national and state levels for citizens only.

The main objectives of the survey are as follows: - collect information on income distribution pattern of households;m - identify the poverty groups; and - to identify the accessibility of basic amenities by poor households.

Data from the survey are used by the government as inputs for the formulation of national development plan especially in preparing the Tenth Malaysia Plan.

Geographic coverage

The survey covered both urban and rural areas in Malaysia except the Orang Asli Enumeration Block (EBs) in Peninsular Malaysia. Usually the EBs that lie in the interior areas are not included in the sampling frames. However, for the latest survey, the Department expanded its coverage to include these EBs.

Analysis unit

• Households;
• Individuals.

Universe

The survey covered households staying in private living quarters (LQ). The institutional households, that is, those living in hostels, hotels, hospitals, old folks homes, military and police barracks, prisons, welfare homes and other institutions were excluded from the coverage of the survey.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Sampling frame

The frame used for the selection of sample for HIS/BA 2009 was based on the National Household Sampling Frame (NHSF) which was made up of EBs created for the 2000 Population and Housing Census. EBs are geographical contiguous areas of land with identifiable boundaries. On average, each EB contains about 80 to 120 living quarters. Generally, all EBs are formed within gazetted boundaries i.e. within administrative districts, mukim or local authority areas.

The EBs in the sampling frame are also classified by urban and rural areas. Urban areas are as defined in the 2000 Population and Housing Census. Urban areas are gazetted areas with their adjoining built-up areas which had a combined population of 10,000 or more at the time of the 2000 Population and Housing Census. All other gazetted areas with a population of less than 10,000 persons and non-gazetted areas are classified as rural.

Built-up areas are defined as areas contiguous to a gazetted area and have at least 60 per cent of their population (aged 10 years and over) engaged in nonagricultural activities as well as having modern toilet facilities in their housing units.

Urbanisation is a dynamic process and keeps changing in line with progress and development. Thus the urban areas for the 1991 and 2000 censuses do not necessarily refer to the same areas, as areas fulfilling the criteria of urban continue to increase or grow over time.

Sample design

A two-stage stratified sampling design was adopted and the levels of stratification are as follows: i) Primary stratum - made up of states in Malaysia ii) Secondary stratum - made up of urban and rural as defined in para 6.5 and formed within primary stratum

Samples are drawn independently within each level of the secondary stratum. The units for first stage sample selection are the EBs while the second stage units are the LQs within the EBs. All households and persons within the selected LQs are canvassed. At every stage of selection, the units are selected systematically with equal probability within each level of the secondary stratum.

Sample size

The sample size required is based on the relative standard error of the previous survey for each stratum and state. Other factors such as cost and availability of staff are also taken into considerations in determining the sample size.

The sampling procedures are more fully described in "Malaysia Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey 2009 - Report" pp. 93-96.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Sampling error estimates

Sampling error is a result of estimating data based on a probability sampling, not on census. Such error in statistics is termed as relative standard error (RSE) and is given in percentage. This is used as an indicator to the precision of the parameter under study. In other words, it reflects the extent of variation with other sample-based estimates. For the HIS/BA 2009, the mean monthly gross household income for Malaysia was RM4,025 with an RSE of 0.63 per cent. In other words, the standard error (SE) is approximately RM25. Assuming that the mean household income is normally distributed, the confidence interval for the estimated mean income can be calculated. Based on a 95 percent confidence level (alpha = 0.05), the mean monthly household income was found to be in the range of RM3,975.75–RM4,074.89 monthly.

Malaysia Household Income: Mean: Total data was reported at 8.479 MYR th in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 7.901 MYR th for 2019. Malaysia Household Income: Mean: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 2.539 MYR th from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2022, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.479 MYR th in 2022 and a record low of 0.264 MYR th in 1970. Malaysia Household Income: Mean: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H046: Household Income: Mean (Annual). Starting 1989, data is based on Malaysian citizens.2. Data for 1970, 1974 & 1976 refer to Peninsular Malaysia only.

Historical dataset showing Malaysia income inequality - gini coefficient by year from N/A to N/A.

In 2023, Malaysian employees between the ages of 40 and 44 years old earned the highest average monthly salary, at ***** Malaysian ringgit. With a retirement age of just 60 years old, Malaysian workers could look forward to earning more monthly average wage starting from around 40 years old. Economic outlook Malaysia is one of the biggest and strongest economies of South-East Asia, with a relatively low unemployment rate. The average monthly salary steadily increased from ***** Malaysian ringgit in 2014 to ***** Malaysian ringgit in 2023. Employees with a university degree could expect to earn almost twice as much. Can wages keep up with the cost of living? However, when seen in the context of rising living costs, wages in Malaysia have not been able to keep up. Despite having a relatively low inflation rate, prices have still gone up. Malaysians spent more than ** percent of their income on housing and food. In May 2022, the Malaysian government increased the minimum wage to 1,500 Malaysian ringgit monthly, or 7.21 Malaysian ringgit hourly, in the hopes of easing the financial burdens of its citizens.

Malaysia Proportion of People Living Below 50 Percent Of Median Income: % data was reported at 16.500 % in 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 17.000 % for 2018. Malaysia Proportion of People Living Below 50 Percent Of Median Income: % data is updated yearly, averaging 19.250 % from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2021, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 21.100 % in 1997 and a record low of 15.900 % in 2013. Malaysia Proportion of People Living Below 50 Percent Of Median Income: % data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Social: Poverty and Inequality. The percentage of people in the population who live in households whose per capita income or consumption is below half of the median income or consumption per capita. The median is measured at 2017 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) using the Poverty and Inequality Platform (http://www.pip.worldbank.org). For some countries, medians are not reported due to grouped and/or confidential data. The reference year is the year in which the underlying household survey data was collected. In cases for which the data collection period bridged two calendar years, the first year in which data were collected is reported.;World Bank, Poverty and Inequality Platform. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. Data for high-income economies are mostly from the Luxembourg Income Study database. For more information and methodology, please see http://pip.worldbank.org.;;The World Bank’s internationally comparable poverty monitoring database now draws on income or detailed consumption data from more than 2000 household surveys across 169 countries. See the Poverty and Inequality Platform (PIP) for details (www.pip.worldbank.org).

Abstract

The main objectives of the Household Income, Expenditure and Basic Amenities Survey 2019 are : - to gather information on the income distribution and consumption patterns of the household - to identify target groups such as B40 and poor households - to measure accessibility of basic amenities enjoyed by the household - to use expenditure data as an inputs for Consumer Price Index weight

Geographic coverage

All districts in Malaysia, rural and urban areas

Analysis unit

Household

Universe

Coverage of the survey are households living in private living quarters only.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Income share held by fourth 20% of Malaysia remained constant at 22.10 % over the last 1 years. Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles. Percentage shares by quintile may not sum to 100 because of rounding.

This dataset shows the Mean Monthly Household Gross Income by state, 2002 - 2020e, Malaysia. Nota: n.a. Not applicable e Refers to estimated value based on this study Source : DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA No. of Views : 316

In 2022, the average monthly income of urban households was around ***** Malaysian ringgit, an increase compared to around ***** in the previous year. The mean monthly income of urban households in Malaysia has been increasing over the years.

Malaysia Income Share Held by Lowest 20% data was reported at 5.800 % in 2015. This stayed constant from the previous number of 5.800 % for 2013. Malaysia Income Share Held by Lowest 20% data is updated yearly, averaging 4.750 % from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2015, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.800 % in 2015 and a record low of 4.400 % in 1997. Malaysia Income Share Held by Lowest 20% data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Poverty. Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles. Percentage shares by quintile may not sum to 100 because of rounding.; ; World Bank, Development Research Group. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. Data for high-income economies are from the Luxembourg Income Study database. For more information and methodology, please see PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/index.htm).; ; The World Bank’s internationally comparable poverty monitoring database now draws on income or detailed consumption data from more than one thousand six hundred household surveys across 164 countries in six regions and 25 other high income countries (industrialized economies). While income distribution data are published for all countries with data available, poverty data are published for low- and middle-income countries and countries eligible to receive loans from the World Bank (such as Chile) and recently graduated countries (such as Estonia) only. See PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/WhatIsNew.aspx) for definitions of geographical regions and industrialized countries.

In 2022, the highest average monthly household income was in the Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, with around ****** Malaysian ringgit. Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, the capital city and also a federal territory, came second with around ****** Malaysian ringgit in monthly average household income.

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.

Malaysia Income Share Held by Lowest 10% data was reported at 2.300 % in 2015. This stayed constant from the previous number of 2.300 % for 2013. Malaysia Income Share Held by Lowest 10% data is updated yearly, averaging 1.850 % from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2015, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.300 % in 2015 and a record low of 1.700 % in 1997. Malaysia Income Share Held by Lowest 10% data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Poverty. Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles.; ; World Bank, Development Research Group. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. Data for high-income economies are from the Luxembourg Income Study database. For more information and methodology, please see PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/index.htm).; ; The World Bank’s internationally comparable poverty monitoring database now draws on income or detailed consumption data from more than one thousand six hundred household surveys across 164 countries in six regions and 25 other high income countries (industrialized economies). While income distribution data are published for all countries with data available, poverty data are published for low- and middle-income countries and countries eligible to receive loans from the World Bank (such as Chile) and recently graduated countries (such as Estonia) only. See PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/WhatIsNew.aspx) for definitions of geographical regions and industrialized countries.

This dataset shows the number of Mean Monthly Household Gross Income of Top 20%, Middle 40% and Bottom 40% of Households by Ethnicity 2002 - 2019, Malaysia.Source : DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA

Malaysia Income Share Held by Fourth 20% data was reported at 22.000 % in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 21.700 % for 2013. Malaysia Income Share Held by Fourth 20% data is updated yearly, averaging 21.100 % from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2015, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 22.000 % in 2015 and a record low of 20.100 % in 1984. Malaysia Income Share Held by Fourth 20% data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Poverty. Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles. Percentage shares by quintile may not sum to 100 because of rounding.; ; World Bank, Development Research Group. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. Data for high-income economies are from the Luxembourg Income Study database. For more information and methodology, please see PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/index.htm).; ; The World Bank’s internationally comparable poverty monitoring database now draws on income or detailed consumption data from more than one thousand six hundred household surveys across 164 countries in six regions and 25 other high income countries (industrialized economies). While income distribution data are published for all countries with data available, poverty data are published for low- and middle-income countries and countries eligible to receive loans from the World Bank (such as Chile) and recently graduated countries (such as Estonia) only. See PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/WhatIsNew.aspx) for definitions of geographical regions and industrialized countries.

Malaysia Income Share Held by Second 20% data was reported at 10.100 % in 2015. This stayed constant from the previous number of 10.100 % for 2013. Malaysia Income Share Held by Second 20% data is updated yearly, averaging 8.800 % from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2015, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.100 % in 2015 and a record low of 8.100 % in 1997. Malaysia Income Share Held by Second 20% data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.World Bank.WDI: Poverty. Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles. Percentage shares by quintile may not sum to 100 because of rounding.; ; World Bank, Development Research Group. Data are based on primary household survey data obtained from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. Data for high-income economies are from the Luxembourg Income Study database. For more information and methodology, please see PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/index.htm).; ; The World Bank’s internationally comparable poverty monitoring database now draws on income or detailed consumption data from more than one thousand six hundred household surveys across 164 countries in six regions and 25 other high income countries (industrialized economies). While income distribution data are published for all countries with data available, poverty data are published for low- and middle-income countries and countries eligible to receive loans from the World Bank (such as Chile) and recently graduated countries (such as Estonia) only. See PovcalNet (http://iresearch.worldbank.org/PovcalNet/WhatIsNew.aspx) for definitions of geographical regions and industrialized countries.

In Malaysia, the income groups are divided into bottom 40 percent, middle 40 percent, and top 20 percent. In 2020, there were more than **** million Malaysian households in each of the B40 and M40 income groups, while **** million belonged to the T20 income group.