This statistic shows the ten biggest cities in Malaysia in 2020. In 2020, approximately 8.09 million people lived in Kuala Lumpur, making it the biggest city in Malaysia.

Population in largest city in Malaysia was reported at 8815630 in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Malaysia - Population in largest city - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Malaysia Population in Largest City data was reported at 7,318,545.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 7,081,137.000 Person for 2016. Malaysia Population in Largest City data is updated yearly, averaging 1,870,358.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7,318,545.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 343,527.000 Person in 1960. Malaysia Population in Largest City 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: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population in largest city is the urban population living in the country's largest metropolitan area.; ; United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects.; ;

Population in the largest city (% of urban population) in Malaysia was reported at 31.3 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Malaysia - Population in the largest city - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Malaysia Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data was reported at 30.673 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 30.338 % for 2016. Malaysia Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population data is updated yearly, averaging 22.248 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 30.673 % in 2017 and a record low of 12.484 % in 1970. Malaysia Population in Largest City: as % of Urban Population 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: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Population in largest city is the percentage of a country's urban population living in that country's largest metropolitan area.; ; United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects.; Weighted average;

This statistic shows the degree of urbanization in Malaysia from 2013 to 2023. Urbanization means the share of urban population in the total population of a country. In 2023, 78.72 percent of Malaysia's total population lived in urban areas and cities. Urban areas in Malaysia Malaysia is currently one of the most urbanized countries of East Asia, and also one of the most rapidly urbanized regions around the world; over the last ten years, the urban population in Malaysia has increased from around 66 percent in 2004 to 74 percent in 2014. This growth is expected to continue, as people from rural areas migrate to urban areas due to the economy and employment continuing to shift from agriculture to industry and services. At present, the largest city in terms of population is Kuala Lumpur, which is home to around 1.31 million inhabitants - which is still relatively small, considering that the entire population of Malaysia amounts to around 31 million. Malaysia is also home to a number of smaller urban areas, and there are three other urban areas with more than 500,000 inhabitants. Urban areas in Malaysia, notably Kuala Lumpur, are less dense than is common for urban areas in East Asia. This means that dealing with and limiting sprawl will be a challenge. As the urban transformation continues, there is still a chance to find a balance between urban and rural settlements in an equitable, compact and sustainable manner.

As of July 2024, the population of Selangor was estimated at approximately 7.4 million. Selangor is Malaysia's most populous state, as well as the state with the largest economy in terms of gross domestic product. The Golden Peninsula Malaysia is comprised of 13 states and three Wilayah Persekutuan (WP) or federal territories, which include Labuan, an offshore financial center on the east; the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur; and the administrative center, Putrajaya - both on the west. The aforementioned two federal territories on the west are enclaves within Selangor. In addition to that and the many points of interest it has to offer, Selangor is Malaysia’s most visited state among domestic tourists. Darul Ehsan – The Abode of Sincerity Selangor is a sultanate, ruled by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah since 2001. Located on the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula, the state hosts the country’s two main transportation hubs: Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Port Klang, the country’s largest port.The state is also Malaysia’s largest economy, which contributes a big part to Malaysia’s overall GDP per capita. With the prime location, good infrastructure, and two federal territories within, Selangor will continue to attract more people for work, travel, or more.

Malaysia Average Household Size: Urban data was reported at 4.000 Person in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.200 Person for 2014. Malaysia Average Household Size: Urban data is updated yearly, averaging 4.110 Person from May 2005 (Median) to 2016, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4.200 Person in 2014 and a record low of 4.000 Person in 2016. Malaysia Average Household Size: Urban data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Department of Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.H038: Household Expenditure Survey.

In 2022, the average urban household size in Malaysia stood at 3.7 persons. This was a decrease from 3.8 persons the previous year. While Malaysia's overall average household size had been decreasing in the past four years, this trend was more pronounced in urban households. The average size of rural households, meanwhile, had been increasing slightly over the years.

MY：最大城市人口在12-01-2017达7,318,545.000人，相较于12-01-2016的7,081,137.000人有所增长。MY：最大城市人口数据按年更新，12-01-1960至12-01-2017期间平均值为1,870,358.000人，共58份观测结果。该数据的历史最高值出现于12-01-2017，达7,318,545.000人，而历史最低值则出现于12-01-1960，为343,527.000人。CEIC提供的MY：最大城市人口数据处于定期更新的状态，数据来源于World Bank，数据归类于全球数据库的马来西亚 – Table MY.World Bank.WDI：人口和城市化进程统计。

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.

MY：最大城市人口占城市总人口的百分比在12-01-2017达30.673%，相较于12-01-2016的30.338%有所增长。MY：最大城市人口占城市总人口的百分比数据按年更新，12-01-1960至12-01-2017期间平均值为22.248%，共58份观测结果。该数据的历史最高值出现于12-01-2017，达30.673%，而历史最低值则出现于12-01-1970，为12.484%。CEIC提供的MY：最大城市人口占城市总人口的百分比数据处于定期更新的状态，数据来源于World Bank，数据归类于Global Database的马来西亚 – 表 MY.世界银行：人口和城市化进程统计。

In 2023, the urban population in Malaysia reached approximately 27.65 million people. In the last decade, the urban population in Malaysia has increased by more than five million people, indicating an upward trend in urbanization. Rapid urbanization In 2023, approximately 78 percent of Malaysia’s population lived in urban areas and cities. This puts Malaysia as one of Southeast Asia’s most urbanized countries. The metropolitan area of Greater Kuala Lumpur had a population of more than eight million in that year, making it Malaysia’s biggest urban area. However, about twice as many Malaysians lived in cities with half a million inhabitants or less. Urban-rural divide For many Malaysians, urbanization brought about more and better economic opportunities and job prospects. The average monthly income for urban households was more than 3,000 Malaysian ringgit higher than that of rural households. Poverty rates in rural areas were also significantly higher than that in urban areas. Even so, the countryside still holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of Malaysians, encapsulated in the romanticized idea of the ‘kampung’ or Malay village.

Abstract

The main objective of the 2011 Labour Force Survey is to collect information on the structure and distribution of labour force, employment and unemployment. Besides furnishing estimates at national and state levels, the survey also produces useful data for urban and rural areas. The comprehensive and systematic approach in the data collection and processing has been maintained over a period of time with the aim of obtaining comparable time series data.

Geographic coverage

The Labour Force Survey covers both urban and rural areas of all states in Malaysia.

Analysis unit

People aged 15 years and over

Universe

The survey population is defined to cover persons who live in private living quarters and hence excludes persons residing in institutions such as hotels, hostels, hospitals, prisons, boarding houses and military barracks. The survey comprises the economically active and inactive population.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Sampling frame

The frame used for the Labour Force Survey is from the Household Sampling Frame, Department of Statistics, Malaysia which is made up of Enumeration Blocks (EBs) created for the 2000 Population and Housing Census.

EBs are geographically 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 district, 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 have 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 has 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 the 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.

For the purpose of urban/rural analysis, the stratum are combined as follows: Urban = Metropolitan + Urban large Rural = Urban small + Rural

Sample design

A stratified two-staged sample design is adopted, that is: Primary stratum = made up of the states in Malaysia Secondary stratum = made up of the urban and rural stratum as defined in para 6.7 and formed within the primary stratum

Samples are drawn independently within each level of the secondary stratum. The first stage units of sample selection are the EBs while the second stage units are the living quarters (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 reliability of available past data. Other factors such as cost and availability of staff are also taken into consideration in determining the sample size.

The sampling procedures are more fully described in "Malaysia Labour Force Survey 2011 - Report" pp. 261-264.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The survey questionnaire is designed to collect pertinent information on personal characteristics of the survey population and detailed information on economic characteristics of the labour force.

All household members will be asked the following information: (i) relationship to the head of household; (ii) sex; (iii) age; (iv) ethnic and citizenship; (v) marital status; and (vi) educational attainment.

For those aged 15 years and over, their activity status either employed unemployed or outside labour force will be determined. Information collected from the employed include whether they had been working or not during the reference week, the number of hours worked, occupation, industry and status in employment. If they have worked less than 30 hours per week, reasons and willingness to accept additional work is also obtained. If they have not been working during the reference week but have a job to return to, the reasons for not working would be sought.

The following questions will be asked to those who are unemployed: (i) action taken to look for work; (ii) work experience; and (iii) duration of unemployment.

Those who are classified as outside labour force will be asked to state the reasons for not seeking work and work experience, if any.

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 and often denoted as RSE which is given in percentage. This error is an indication to the precision of the parameter under study. In other words, it reflects the extent of variation with other sample-based estimates.

Sampling errors of estimates on a few important variables at national and state levels are calculated separately. For Labour Force Survey 2011, the labour force participation rate for Malaysia was 64.4 percent with an RSE of 0.25 percent and standard error (SE) of 0.16 percent. At 95 per cent confidence interval (a = 0.05), the labour force participation rate was in the range of 64.08–64.72 percent.

In 2024, processing identification documents had the highest index score among governance technologies in a smart city Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, with 69.7 out of 100 total score, which had reduced waiting time among citizens. This was followed by access to an online platform where residents can propose ideas, with an index score of 60.

In 2024, there were around **** million Malaysian households in the country, an increase compared to around **** million households in the previous year. The increase in household numbers over the years coincided with the decreasing size of Malaysian households. Importance of households as a unit in society Households form a fundamental unit in society and the decisions taken at the household level shape and affect the economic, social and demographic processes of a country. A household is generally classified as a group of people living in one dwelling, and its members are not necessarily related to one another. Households as economic participants are both consumers of goods and services, and suppliers of labor and capital, whereas its composition and size reflect changing social norms and demographics. How Malaysian households are changing The decrease in the fertility rate in Malaysia mirrored the decrease in household size. In 2022, the average Malaysian household was made up of 3.8 persons, compared to 4.1 in 2016. However, the size of urban households in Malaysia was significantly smaller than rural ones. This could be a contributing factor to the higher poverty rates in rural areas in Malaysia – rural households need to support more members on a significantly lower income than those of urban households.

In 2022, the average household size in Malaysia stood at 3.8 persons. This was a slight decrease from the household size in 2019. Malaysia's overall average household size, both in the urban and rural areas, has been decreasing over the years.

In 2022, the average rural household size in Malaysia stood at 4 persons, a decrease from 4.7 persons in 2019. The overall household size in Malaysia, both in urban and rural areas, has been decreasing over the years.

As of the first half of 2024, Selangor, the largest state in Malaysia, had the highest number of shopping centers with 89 buildings. This was followed by Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, where Malaysia's capital city is located, with 77 shopping centers.

In 2024, the population density of Singapore was 8,207 people per square kilometers. The population of Singapore had been increasing over the years within a very limited space, posing challenges such as housing shortages and land scarcity. Limited land, expanding population With an urban population of around 5.69 million people in 2020 and a land area of approximately 720 square kilometers, Singapore was the third most densely populated territory in the world. This was not expected to ease in the near future, with the population of Singapore estimated to grow to 6.52 million people in 2035. While this might not come close to the population size of other Asian metropolises such as Tokyo or Bangkok, the lack of land available for development poses a great challenge to the island city-state. Since its independence in 1965, Singapore has increased its land area from 581.5 square kilometers to its current size through land reclamation. However, Singapore’s proximity to Malaysia and the Riau Islands in Indonesia effectively limit the available area for reclamation to its maritime borders. The importance of urban planning Urban planning in Singapore must therefore make effective use of what little land is available without compromising livability. Most residents live in apartments situated in high-rise buildings, with a large majority of the population living in public housing provided by the Housing Development Board. Rooftop gardens, tree-lined roads and green innovations such as vertical farming and “breathing walls” help soften the presence of all that glass and concrete, earning Singapore its moniker of “Garden City”. Whether and how well Singapore can sustain the quality of life that its residents are used to with an ever-increasing population density in the next twenty years is, however, to be seen.