Malaysia Jobless Rate Steady for 4th Month

Malaysia’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.0% in July 2026, unchanged from the previous three months and remaining at its highest level since October 2025. The number of unemployed persons increased to 520.3 thousand from 517.8 thousand in the previous month, while total employment was little changed at 16.85 million, indicating continued softness in the labor market. The services sector remained the primary contributor to total employment during the month, particularly in arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodation and food & beverage service activities, as well as financial and insurance activities. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 years remained at 10.2%, with 292.5 thousand unemployed persons. The labor force was little changed at 17.37 million, with the labor force participation rate remaining stable at 70.9%. The number of people outside the labor force stayed at 7.11 million.

Malaysia’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.0% in June 2026, unchanged from the previous two months and remaining at its highest level since October 2025. The number of unemployed persons increased to 517.8 thousand from 513.4 thousand in the previous month, indicating continued softness in the labor market. Meanwhile, total employment was little changed at 16.83 million. The services sector remained the primary contributor to total employment during the month, particularly in transportation & storage, accommodation and food & beverage service activities, and wholesale & retail trade activities. The labor force was unchanged at 17.34 million, with the labor force participation rate remaining stable at 70.9%. The number of people outside the labor force was little changed at 7.11 million. Looking ahead, Malaysia’s labor market is expected to remain resilient, supported by relatively stable domestic conditions and continued investment activity.

Malaysia’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.0% in May 2026, unchanged from the previous month and staying at its highest level since October 2025. The number of unemployed persons increased to 513.4 thousand from 511.8 thousand in April, indicating continued softness in the labor market. Meanwhile, total employment was little changed at 16.82 million. The labor force rose marginally to 17.34 million from 17.33 million in April, with the labor force participation rate remaining stable at 70.9%. The number of people outside the labor force was steady at 7.10 million. Looking ahead, Malaysia’s labor market is expected to remain resilient, supported by favourable economic conditions, sustained investment activity and ongoing structural transformation.