Malaysia’s labour market remained resilient in July 2025, with employment continuing its upward trend while the unemployment rate held steady at 3.0%, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
The number of employed persons increased by 0.2%, or 33,600 people, to 16.95 million compared with June’s 16.92 million. The employment-to-population ratio stayed unchanged at 68.7%, reflecting stable job creation in the economy.
Growth was broad-based across sectors, led by the services industry, particularly wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food & beverage services, and information and communication. Employment also rose in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and mining & quarrying.
Employees made up the largest share of the workforce at 75%, rising by 18,300 people to 12.71 million. Meanwhile, the number of own-account workers, such as freelancers and small business operators, climbed 0.4% to 3.21 million.
Unemployment edged higher by 0.6% (+2,900 people) to 521,600, but the jobless rate was unchanged at 3.0% as labour force expansion absorbed the increase.
The labour force grew by 36,500 persons to 17.47 million, maintaining a participation rate of 70.8%.
At the same time, the number of people outside the labour force rose slightly by 12,800 to 7.19 million, with housework and family responsibilities accounting for the largest share at 43.7%, followed by schooling or training at 40.8%.
The figures suggest steady labour market conditions, underpinned by job gains in key services and industrial sectors, despite a marginal rise in unemployment
Source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/09/10/malaysia-adds-more-jobs-in-july-unemployment-holds-steady-at-3/