Asia · South-eastern Asia
Malaysia Demographics
Malaysia still records population growth, but the pace has slowed as births fall, fertility remains below the replacement benchmark, the population ages and non-citizen residents shape the working-age profile. Urban concentration is strongest in Selangor, Johor and the main metropolitan regions.
Primary data: Department of Statistics Malaysia population estimates, vital statistics, migration statistics, MyCensus 2020 and official population projections.
Last updated: July 21, 2026
Core Demographic Indicators
| Indicator | Value | Year | Measure Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 34.4 million | Q1 2026 | Quarterly population estimate | DOSM Demographic Statistics, Q1 2026 |
| Annual population growth | 0.5% | Q1 2026 | Year-on-year rate | DOSM Demographic Statistics, Q1 2026 |
| Population aged 0-14 | 21.6% | Q1 2026 | Share of estimated population | DOSM Demographic Statistics, Q1 2026 |
| Population aged 65 and over | 8.0% | Q1 2026 | Share of estimated population | DOSM Demographic Statistics, Q1 2026 |
| Median age | 31.3 years | 2025 | Preliminary mid-year estimate | DOSM Current Population Estimates 2025 |
| Total fertility rate | 1.60 births per woman | 2024 | Period total fertility rate | DOSM Vital Statistics 2025 |
| Life expectancy at birth | 75.3 years | 2025 | Life table estimate, both sexes | DOSM Life Expectancy 2025 |
| Urban population | 75.1% | 2020 | Census urbanisation rate | Population and Housing Census Malaysia 2020 |
| Non-citizen residents | 3,380,700 | 2025 | Preliminary resident stock | DOSM International Migration Statistics 2025 |
Population Growth Has Slowed to 0.5%
Malaysia’s annual population series rose from 10.9 million in 1970 to 34.2 million in 2025. The latest annual estimate added about 180,000 people between 2024 and 2025, compared with an increase of about 650,000 in the preceding year. DOSM attributed the slower 2025 rate partly to a small decline in the estimated non-citizen population.
| Year | Population | Measure Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 10,881,800 | Adjusted census-based count | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 1980 | 13,879,300 | Adjusted census-based count | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 1991 | 18,547,200 | Adjusted census-based count | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 2000 | 23,494,900 | Adjusted census-based count | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 2010 | 28,588,600 | Adjusted census-based count | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 2020 | 32,447,400 | Adjusted census-based count | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 2021 | 32,576,300 | Intercensal mid-year estimate | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 2022 | 32,698,100 | Intercensal mid-year estimate | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 2023 | 33,401,800 | Intercensal mid-year estimate | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 2024 | 34,052,100 | Intercensal mid-year estimate | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
| 2025 | 34,231,700 | Preliminary mid-year estimate | Department of Statistics Malaysia |
Population Growth Continued While the Pace Changed
Selected census-based counts and annual mid-year estimates, 1970-2025.
Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, Population Table: Malaysia
Why the Recent Series Changes Pace
- The annual total rose by 703,700 between 2022 and 2023 and by 650,300 between 2023 and 2024.
- The increase narrowed to 179,600 between 2024 and 2025, producing a growth rate close to 0.5%.
- Census benchmark years and intercensal estimates use different statistical statuses, so a change around a census year should not be read only as a birth-and-migration effect.
Birth Decline Is Narrowing Natural Increase
Registered live births fell from 537,853 in 2000 to 414,918 in 2024. Registered deaths rose from 100,707 to 198,992 over the same selected endpoints. Births still exceeded deaths in 2024, leaving a natural increase of 215,926, less than half the 2000 level.
| Year | Live Births | Deaths | Natural Increase | Crude Birth Rate | Crude Death Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 537,853 | 100,707 | 437,146 | 22.9 per 1,000 | 4.3 per 1,000 |
| 2005 | 474,473 | 115,436 | 359,037 | 18.2 per 1,000 | 4.4 per 1,000 |
| 2010 | 491,239 | 130,978 | 360,261 | 17.2 per 1,000 | 4.6 per 1,000 |
| 2015 | 521,136 | 155,786 | 365,350 | 16.7 per 1,000 | 5.0 per 1,000 |
| 2019 | 489,863 | 174,254 | 315,609 | 15.1 per 1,000 | 5.4 per 1,000 |
| 2020 | 471,504 | 167,181 | 304,323 | 14.5 per 1,000 | 5.2 per 1,000 |
| 2021 | 439,744 | 224,931 | 214,813 | 13.5 per 1,000 | 6.9 per 1,000 |
| 2022 | 423,124 | 206,780 | 216,344 | 12.9 per 1,000 | 6.3 per 1,000 |
| 2023 | 455,761 | 196,965 | 258,796 | 13.6 per 1,000 | 5.9 per 1,000 |
| 2024 | 414,918 | 198,992 | 215,926 | 12.2 per 1,000 | 5.8 per 1,000 |
The Gap Between Births and Deaths Has Narrowed
Selected annual registered births and deaths, 2000-2024.
Source: National Registration Department and Department of Statistics Malaysia
How Natural Change Has Shifted
- The crude birth rate fell from 22.9 per 1,000 population in 2000 to 12.2 in 2024.
- The 2024 natural increase of 215,926 was 221,220 lower than the 2000 total.
- The 2021 rise in registered deaths reduced natural increase to 214,813; this year should not be treated as a smooth continuation of the surrounding series.
Fertility Fell Before Population Growth Slowed
The period total fertility rate declined from 6.28 births per woman in 1958 to 1.60 in 2024. It moved close to the broad 2.1 replacement benchmark by 2010 and remained below it after 2015. Total population continued to rise because age structure, survival and migration affect the population total with different timing.
| Year | Total Fertility Rate | Difference from 2.1 Benchmark | Measure Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | 6.28 births per woman | +4.18 | Period total fertility rate |
| 1960 | 6.04 births per woman | +3.94 | Period total fertility rate |
| 1970 | 4.88 births per woman | +2.78 | Period total fertility rate |
| 1980 | 3.99 births per woman | +1.89 | Period total fertility rate |
| 1990 | 3.49 births per woman | +1.39 | Period total fertility rate |
| 2000 | 2.93 births per woman | +0.83 | Period total fertility rate |
| 2010 | 2.14 births per woman | +0.04 | Period total fertility rate |
| 2015 | 2.00 births per woman | −0.10 | Period total fertility rate |
| 2020 | 1.71 births per woman | −0.39 | Period total fertility rate |
| 2021 | 1.70 births per woman | −0.40 | Period total fertility rate |
| 2022 | 1.63 births per woman | −0.47 | Period total fertility rate |
| 2023 | 1.73 births per woman | −0.37 | Period total fertility rate |
| 2024 | 1.60 births per woman | −0.50 | Period total fertility rate |
Fertility Moved Below the Broad Replacement Benchmark
Selected total fertility rate observations, 1958-2024.
Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, TFR and ASFR dataset
Measure note: The total fertility rate is a period measure based on current age-specific fertility rates. It does not report the completed number of children born to women who have already finished their reproductive years.
Fertility Levels Differ Across States and Population Groups
The 2024 national rate concealed a wide range. Terengganu recorded 2.6 births per woman and Pulau Pinang recorded 1.2. Within DOSM’s major ethnic-group series, the Malay rate was 1.9 and the Chinese rate was 0.9. These period measures describe observed fertility schedules within statistical categories; they do not isolate the separate effects of age, marriage, income or urban residence.
| Comparison Basis | Area or Group | Total Fertility Rate | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | Malaysia | 1.6 births per woman | 2024 |
| State | Terengganu | 2.6 births per woman | 2024 |
| State | Kelantan | 2.3 births per woman | 2024 |
| State | Pahang | 1.9 births per woman | 2024 |
| State | Kedah | 1.8 births per woman | 2024 |
| Federal territory | W.P. Putrajaya | 1.8 births per woman | 2024 |
| State | Pulau Pinang | 1.2 births per woman | 2024 |
| Major ethnic group | Malay | 1.9 births per woman | 2024 |
| Major ethnic group | Chinese | 0.9 births per woman | 2024 |
The 2025 Age Profile Has a Narrower Base and a Male-Heavy Working-Age Centre
Children aged 0-14 accounted for 21.6% of the 2025 mid-year population, down from 44.5% in 1970. The working-age share reached 70.4%, while the share aged 65 and over reached 8.0%. The detailed profile shows the strongest male surplus from ages 20 to 34, where the non-citizen labour population has a visible effect on the national distribution.
Malaysia Population Pyramid, 2025
Preliminary mid-year population by five-year age group and sex.
Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, Current Population Estimates 2025
| Age Group | Male | Female | Total | Male Share | Female Share | Sex Ratio | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | 1,192,500 | 1,114,200 | 2,306,700 | 51.7% | 48.3% | 107.0 | 2025 |
| 5-9 | 1,284,300 | 1,232,100 | 2,516,400 | 51.0% | 49.0% | 104.2 | 2025 |
| 10-14 | 1,335,100 | 1,244,200 | 2,579,300 | 51.8% | 48.2% | 107.3 | 2025 |
| 15-19 | 1,415,900 | 1,289,300 | 2,705,200 | 52.3% | 47.7% | 109.8 | 2025 |
| 20-24 | 1,730,500 | 1,425,100 | 3,155,500 | 54.8% | 45.2% | 121.4 | 2025 |
| 25-29 | 1,731,600 | 1,355,100 | 3,086,800 | 56.1% | 43.9% | 127.8 | 2025 |
| 30-34 | 1,593,700 | 1,295,700 | 2,889,400 | 55.2% | 44.8% | 123.0 | 2025 |
| 35-39 | 1,516,800 | 1,332,600 | 2,849,400 | 53.2% | 46.8% | 113.8 | 2025 |
| 40-44 | 1,400,000 | 1,260,500 | 2,660,600 | 52.6% | 47.4% | 111.1 | 2025 |
| 45-49 | 1,100,100 | 1,004,600 | 2,104,600 | 52.3% | 47.7% | 109.5 | 2025 |
| 50-54 | 897,500 | 861,600 | 1,759,200 | 51.0% | 49.0% | 104.2 | 2025 |
| 55-59 | 751,000 | 754,900 | 1,505,900 | 49.9% | 50.1% | 99.5 | 2025 |
| 60-64 | 684,300 | 681,900 | 1,366,100 | 50.1% | 49.9% | 100.4 | 2025 |
| 65-69 | 531,700 | 558,700 | 1,090,300 | 48.8% | 51.2% | 95.2 | 2025 |
| 70-74 | 381,000 | 405,400 | 786,400 | 48.4% | 51.6% | 94.0 | 2025 |
| 75-79 | 226,300 | 259,900 | 486,300 | 46.5% | 53.4% | 87.1 | 2025 |
| 80-84 | 104,500 | 124,400 | 228,900 | 45.7% | 54.3% | 84.0 | 2025 |
| 85+ | 80,900 | 73,700 | 154,600 | 52.3% | 47.7% | 109.8 | 2025 |
Where the Sex Balance Shifts
- The sex ratio peaks at about 128 males per 100 females among ages 25-29.
- Female majorities appear in ages 55-59 and 65-84 in the 2025 total-population estimate.
- The all-ages sex ratio was about 110 males per 100 females; the citizen-only ratio was about 102.
Non-Citizen Residents Reshape the Working-Age Sex Balance
Malaysia’s estimated non-citizen resident stock was 3.38 million in 2025, equal to 9.9% of the total population. About 2.35 million were male and 1.03 million were female, producing a sex ratio of 228 males per 100 females. DOSM reported that 79.8% of non-citizen residents were aged 15-64.
| Year | Non-Citizen Residents | Share of Total Population | Male | Female | Sex Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2,691,100 | 8.3% | 1,872,500 | 818,600 | 228.7 |
| 2021 | 2,559,500 | 7.9% | 1,779,000 | 780,500 | 227.9 |
| 2022 | 2,500,000 | 7.6% | 1,736,100 | 763,900 | 227.3 |
| 2023 | 2,964,800 | 8.9% | 2,056,300 | 908,500 | 226.3 |
| 2024 | 3,396,900 | 10.0% | 2,360,200 | 1,036,700 | 227.7 |
| 2025 | 3,380,700 | 9.9% | 2,348,900 | 1,031,800 | 227.7 |
The Non-Citizen Stock Rose After 2022
Estimated non-citizen residents, 2020-2025.
Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, International Migration Statistics 2025
Migration measure note: Non-citizen residents are a population stock. They are not the same measure as annual immigration, emigration, net migration, foreign-born population or residence permits.
Internal Moves Are Predominantly Urban-to-Urban
The 2024 Migration Survey defines a migrant as a person whose locality of usual residence differed between two dates one year apart, excluding moves within the same locality. The survey’s internal-migration category accounted for 63.5% of migrants. Within intra-state flows, 84.6% were urban-to-urban moves.
| Movement Pattern | Share | Reference Year | Population Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOSM internal-migration category | 63.5% | 2024 | Migrants identified by one-year change in locality |
| Urban to urban | 84.6% | 2024 | Intra-state migration flows |
| Rural to rural | 7.6% | 2024 | Intra-state migration flows |
| Urban to rural | 7.2% | 2024 | Intra-state migration flows |
| Rural to urban | 0.6% | 2024 | Intra-state migration flows |
How Internal Migration Connects to Urbanisation
- Urban-to-urban movements rose from 79.3% of intra-state flows in 2022 to 84.6% in 2024.
- Selangor recorded 96.2% urban-to-urban movement, while Pulau Pinang recorded 93.5%.
- The survey measures changes in usual residence, not daily commuting or movement within the same locality.
Urban Growth Is Concentrated in Selangor, Johor and Major City Regions
The census urbanisation rate rose from 70.9% in 2010 to 75.1% in 2020, while the counted urban population increased from 19.5 million to 24.3 million. The 2025 state estimates show that Selangor, Johor and Sabah together contained 44.9% of the national population. Selangor alone accounted for 21.6%.
Eight Largest State and Federal Territory Populations
Preliminary mid-year population estimates, 2025.
Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, Population Table: States
| State or Federal Territory | Population | National Share | 2024-2025 Growth | Non-Citizen Share | Sex Ratio | Aged 65+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selangor | 7,406,800 | 21.6% | 0.6% | 9.8% | 114.5 | 8.4% |
| Johor | 4,205,900 | 12.3% | 0.5% | 9.2% | 115.5 | 7.8% |
| Sabah | 3,759,600 | 11.0% | 0.5% | 27.7% | 109.3 | 6.4% |
| Perak | 2,574,900 | 7.5% | 0.2% | 6.2% | 109.4 | 10.3% |
| Sarawak | 2,529,800 | 7.4% | 0.5% | 5.0% | 106.4 | 9.2% |
| Kedah | 2,228,000 | 6.5% | 0.5% | 5.0% | 104.2 | 9.4% |
| W.P. Kuala Lumpur | 2,074,100 | 6.1% | 0.3% | 13.1% | 117.3 | 7.1% |
| Kelantan | 1,907,700 | 5.6% | 1.0% | 2.5% | 101.0 | 7.4% |
| Pulau Pinang | 1,803,300 | 5.3% | 0.2% | 10.0% | 105.2 | 8.4% |
| Pahang | 1,678,200 | 4.9% | 0.6% | 6.1% | 114.1 | 7.1% |
| Terengganu | 1,246,900 | 3.6% | 1.3% | 3.1% | 105.6 | 6.3% |
| Negeri Sembilan | 1,244,600 | 3.6% | 0.4% | 5.9% | 107.9 | 8.1% |
| Melaka | 1,052,500 | 3.1% | 0.6% | 8.7% | 112.3 | 7.3% |
| Perlis | 297,800 | 0.9% | 0.3% | 3.9% | 99.3 | 8.6% |
| W.P. Putrajaya | 120,800 | 0.4% | 0.4% | 2.8% | 97.2 | 2.1% |
| W.P. Labuan | 100,900 | 0.3% | 0.1% | 11.4% | 105.7 | 5.5% |
| Census Year | Urban Population | Urban Share | Rural Share | Measure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 19.5 million | 70.9% | 29.1% | Population census stratum |
| 2020 | 24.3 million | 75.1% | 24.9% | Population census stratum |
Where Population Concentration Differs
- Selangor had 7.41 million residents in 2025, more than the populations of Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang and Melaka combined.
- Sabah’s non-citizen share was 27.7%, the highest state-level share in the annual population table.
- Perak had the oldest state profile in this series, with 10.3% of its population aged 65 and over.
Four Demographic Processes Now Move Together
Births still exceed deaths, but the 2024 gap was about 216,000 compared with about 437,000 in 2000.
Fertility moved below the broad replacement benchmark before total population growth slowed because population momentum continued.
Non-citizen residents are concentrated in working ages and are strongly male-heavy, altering the national age-sex profile.
Most recorded intra-state moves are between urban localities, while population growth remains concentrated in a limited set of state and metropolitan economies.
The Official Projection Peaks Near 2060
DOSM’s 2020-2060 projection uses cohort-component assumptions for fertility, mortality, internal migration and international migration. The central published results place the national population peak at about 42.38 million in 2059. The projected 65-and-over share reaches 18.3% in 2060, compared with 6.8% in the 2020 projection base.
| Projection Indicator | Base or Projected Value | Reference Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at projection base | 32.45 million | 2020 | Projection base |
| Projected national peak | 42.38 million | 2059 | Scenario-based projection |
| Projected annual growth rate | −0.03% | 2060 | Scenario-based projection |
| Median age | 40.7 years | 2060 | Scenario-based projection |
| Population aged 65+ | 18.3% | 2060 | Scenario-based projection |
| Total dependency ratio | 52.2 per 100 working-age residents | 2060 | Scenario-based projection |
Projection note: Population projections are scenario-based estimates, not guaranteed predictions. Future fertility, survival and migration paths can move the peak year and age structure away from the published series.
Data Sources and Methodology
The page keeps quarterly estimates, annual mid-year estimates, census counts, registered vital events, survey measures and projections separate. Population and age-sex values are shown in persons after converting DOSM tables reported in thousands. Natural increase is derived as registered live births minus registered deaths. Small differences can occur because published component tables are rounded.
| Source | Release or Data Year | Used for | Measure Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOSM Demographic Statistics, First Quarter 2026 | Q1 2026 | Latest population, growth, youth share, old-age share and sex ratio | Quarterly population estimate |
| OpenDOSM Population Table: Malaysia | 1970-2025 | Historical population, detailed age-sex table and population pyramid | Adjusted census counts and intercensal mid-year estimates |
| OpenDOSM Population Table: States | 2024-2025 | State population, growth, age, sex and non-citizen profiles | Preliminary mid-year estimates |
| DOSM Vital Statistics 2025 and OpenDOSM births, deaths and fertility datasets | 1958-2024 | Fertility, live births, deaths, rates and derived natural increase | Registered events and period fertility rates |
| DOSM Life Expectancy 2025 | 2025 | Life expectancy at birth | Life table estimate |
| DOSM International Migration Statistics 2025 | 2020-2025 | Non-citizen resident stock, age structure and sex balance | Resident population stock |
| DOSM Migration Survey Report 2024 | 2024 | Internal migration and urban-to-urban movement shares | Household survey of one-year locality change |
| Population and Housing Census Malaysia 2020 | 2010 and 2020 | Urban population count and urbanisation rate | Population census stratum |
| DOSM Population Projections 2020-2060 | 2020-2060 | Projected population peak, median age, old-age share and dependency ratio | Cohort-component projection |
Methodological Safety Note: The Q1 2026 population is a quarterly estimate, while the detailed annual and age-sex tables use 2025 mid-year estimates. The 2025 annual population values are preliminary. Census urbanisation is retained at 2020 because it uses an official urban-rural classification that is not interchangeable with a modelled annual urban share. Non-citizen population is a resident stock and should not be read as net migration. Registered births and deaths may differ from demographic estimates used inside the cohort-component population model. Projection values describe an assumed path and are kept separate from observed and estimated data.