Overview

• During the fourth quarter of 2024, the labour force experienced rapid growth with an increase of 76.5 thousand persons, recording 17.34 million persons (Q3 2024: 17.26 million persons). Additionally, the labour force participation rate (LFPR) increased by 0.1 percentage points to 70.6 per cent in that quarter (Q3 2024: 70.5%).

• In the fourth quarter of 2024, the number of employed persons posted an increase of 0.5 per cent (+77.4 thousand persons) to 16.79 million persons (Q3 2024: 16.72 million persons). Concurrently, the number of employed persons strengthened by 2.7 per cent or equivalent to 446.2 thousand persons as compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 (Q4 2023: 16.35 million persons).

• The number of unemployed persons further decreased to 546.9 thousand persons, recording a reduction of 1.0 thousand persons in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024: 547.9 thousand persons). Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 2024 remained at 3.2 per cent. Year-on-year comparison, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 3.2 per cent, with a reduction of 18.1 thousand unemployed persons compared to the same quarter of the previous year (Q4 2023: 3.3%; 565.0 thousand persons).

• In the fourth quarter of 2024, the labour force participation rate (LFPR) at the national level increased to 70.6 per cent. Nine states recorded increases in the LFPR, indicating improved labour participation in the market. The highest LFPR was recorded in Selangor (76.4%), followed by W.P. Kuala Lumpur (74.9%), Pulau Pinang (73.2%), W.P. Putrajaya (72.3%) and Johor (71.9%).

• Looking at the unemployment situation by state, six states registered a decline in the unemployment rate during the quarter, while another ten states showed an increase in unemployment rate. The lowest unemployment rate was recorded by Kedah and Selangor with 1.7 per cent, followed by Melaka with 1.8 per cent.

The full publication of the Labour Force Survey Report, Fourth Quarter 2024 can be downloaded through eStatistic Portal.

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA

10 February 2025

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Baharudin Mohamad

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