Malaysia Jobless Rate Edges Down to 2.9% in August

Malaysia’s unemployment rate inched down to 2.9% in August 2026 from 3.0% in the previous four months, moving away from its highest level since October 2025. The number of unemployed persons decreased to 511.6 thousand from 520.3 thousand in the previous month, while total employment was little changed at 16.87 million, indicating continued softness in the labor market. Meanwhile, the youth unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 years declined to 10.1%, with 291.3 thousand unemployed persons. The labor force was little changed at 17.39 million, with the labor force participation rate edging up to 71.0% from 70.9%. The number of people outside the labor force remained at 7.11 million.

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.