The total population in Malaysia was estimated at 34.1 million people in 2024, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides - Malaysia Population - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In 2025, **** percent of the Malaysian population were classified as Bumiputera, **** percent were classified as ethnic Chinese, and *** 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 2024, the Bumiputera share of the population in Sabah was ** percent, while that in Sarawak was **** 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 2025, Selangor had a population of approximately **** million people. 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.

Actual value and historical data chart for Malaysia Population Female Percent Of Total

The population in Malaysia grew to 33.46 million people in 2024. This is in line with a general positive trend and is expected to continue in the future, as well as with the growth rates in other ASEAN countries. Malaysian demographics As the fertility rate slowly declines, the population growth rate should slowly decline as well. However, since life expectancy is also slowly increasing, this can still fuel population growth, as we see in this statistic. In Malaysia, this is leading to a healthy age structure, with a large group of working-age people who are able to support a smaller number of old and young people. Economic effects A growing population should lead to an increasing gross domestic product (GDP), simply because more people means more consumers and workers. This is especially effective if the country is at full employment. Given the generally low level of unemployment in Malaysia, it is fairly safe to assume that this is true.

Actual value and historical data chart for Malaysia Population Growth Annual Percent

. The Department of Statistics provides Mid-year Population based on 2020 Census. Population prior to 2020 is based on 2010 Census. Population prior to 2010 is based on 2000 Census.


Further information about Malaysia population data

• In the latest reports, Malaysia Unemployment Rate remained the same at 3.0 % in Sep 2025
• Monthly earnings of the Malaysia population was 826.4 USD in Sep 2025
• Malaysia Labour Force Participation Rate remained the same rate at 70.9 % in Sep 2025

Actual value and historical data chart for Malaysia Population Ages 80 And Above Male Percent Of Male Population

Actual value and historical data chart for Malaysia Population Ages 30 34 Female Percent Of Female Population

Yearly (annual) dataset of the Malaysia Population, including historical data, latest releases, and long-term trends from 1960-12-31 to 2024-12-31. Available for free download in CSV format.

Malaysia DOS Projection: Population: Indians data was reported at 2,372.500 Person th in 2040. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,339.000 Person th for 2035. Malaysia DOS Projection: Population: Indians data is updated yearly, averaging 2,288.200 Person th from Dec 2020 (Median) to 2040, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,372.500 Person th in 2040 and a record low of 2,130.100 Person th in 2020. Malaysia DOS Projection: Population: 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.G002: Population: Projection: Department of Statistics.

Malaysia Population: Male: Ages 20-24: % of Male Population data was reported at 9.869 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 10.153 % for 2016. Malaysia Population: Male: Ages 20-24: % of Male Population data is updated yearly, averaging 9.183 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.400 % in 2015 and a record low of 7.341 % in 1965. Malaysia Population: Male: Ages 20-24: % of Male 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. Male population between the ages 20 to 24 as a percentage of the total male population.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; ;

As of the first half of 2024, Malaysia's biggest population belonged to the age group of 20 to 24 years old, with around *** million people. Meanwhile, there were around ******* people above the age of 85 years.

Actual value and historical data chart for Malaysia Population Male Percent Of Total

Graph and download economic data for Population, Total for Malaysia (POPTOTMYA647NWDB) from 1960 to 2024 about Malaysia and population.

Graph and download economic data for Population Growth for Malaysia (SPPOPGROWMYS) from 1961 to 2024 about Malaysia, population, and rate.

Malaysia: Population ages 65 and above, percent of total: The latest value from 2024 is 7.74 percent, an increase from 7.45 percent in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 10.43 percent, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for Malaysia from 1960 to 2024 is 4.09 percent. The minimum value, 2.71 percent, was reached in 1968 while the maximum of 7.74 percent was recorded in 2024.

In 2025, it was estimated that **** percent of the population in Sabah were Bumiputera. "Bumiputera" is a term used in Malaysia to refer to those of Malay ethnicity or from indigenous groups in Malaysia. Sabah is a resource-rich state located in eastern Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It primarily exports oil, gas, timber, and palm oil.

As of July 2024, it was estimated that **** percent of the population in Sarawak were Bumiputera. "Bumiputera" is a term used in Malaysia to refer to those of Malay ethnicity or from indigenous groups in Malaysia. Sarawak is a resource-rich state, located in western Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It primarily exports oil, gas, timber, and palm oil.

Malaysia: Percent urban population: The latest value from 2024 is 79.2 percent, an increase from 78.72 percent in 2023. In comparison, the world average is 61.70 percent, based on data from 196 countries. Historically, the average for Malaysia from 1960 to 2024 is 53.31 percent. The minimum value, 26.6 percent, was reached in 1960 while the maximum of 79.2 percent was recorded in 2024.