Overview

• The labour force continued to expand in the first quarter of 2025, increased by 0.8 per cent or 131.4 thousand persons to register 17.23 million persons (Q4[r] 2024: 17.10 million persons). A higher labour force participation rate (LFPR) was recorded during the quarter at 70.7 per cent, climbed by 0.1 percentage points from 70.6 per cent in the preceding quarter. 

• The number of employed persons posted a quarter-on quarter rose by 0.9 per cent (+143.9 thousand persons) to 16.70 million persons in the first quarter of 2025 (Q4[r] 2024: 16.56 million persons). In terms of year-on-year comparison, the number of employed persons experienced growth by 3.0 per cent or equivalent to 486.2 thousand persons compared to the first quarter of 2024 (Q1[r] 2024: 16.22 million persons).

• The number of unemployed persons continued to drop by 2.3 per cent or equivalent to a reduction of 12.4 thousand persons to 526.3 thousand persons in the first quarter of 2025 (Q4[r] 2024: 538.7 thousand persons). Therefore, the unemployment rate during the quarter decline slightly to 3.1 per cent compared to 3.2 per cent in the previous quarter. Year-on-year comparison showed the unemployment rate also reduced by 0.2 percentage points corresponding to decline of 27.5 thousand persons (Q1[r] 2024: 553.8 thousand persons; 3.3%). 

• In the first quarter of 2025, the national labour force participation rate (LFPR) increased to 70.7 per cent. Labour participation in the market showed positive performance, with eight states recording an increase in LFPR. The highest LFPR was recorded in Selangor (77.9%), followed by W.P. Putrajaya (77.6%) and W.P. Kuala Lumpur (75.4%). 

• Based on the unemployment situation by state, ten state surpassed the national unemployment rate at 3.1 per cent. Furthermore, twelve states recorded a decrease in the unemployment rate during the quarter. The lowest unemployment rates were recorded in the states of W.P. Putrajaya (1.8%), Melaka and Pahang (1.9%) as well as Selangor (2.2%).

Note: [r] - Revision based on the current population estimates from Population and Housing Census 2020

The full publication of the Labour Force Survey Report, First Quarter 2025 can be downloaded through eStatistic Portal.

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA

09 MAY 2025

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