Overview

• The labour force continued to expand in the second quarter of 2024, with an increase of 1.1 per cent or 186.6 thousand persons to register 17.15 million persons (Q1 2024: 16.96 million persons). Subsequently, the labour force participation rate (LFPR) increased by 0.3 percentage points to post 70.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2024 (Q1 2024: 70.2%).
  

• The number of employed persons continued its upward trend during the quarter, with an additional 190.0 thousand persons or 1.2 per cent to post a total of 16.59 million persons (Q1 2024: 16.40 million persons). Meanwhile, the number of employed persons strengthened by 2.8 per cent or equivalent to 445.1 thousand persons as compared to the same quarter of prior year (Q2 2023: 16.15 million persons).
  

• During this quarter, the number of unemployed persons continued to decline by 0.6 per cent or equivalent to a reduction of 557.8 thousand persons (Q1 2024: 561.1 thousand persons). The unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2024 remained unchanged at 3.3 per cent compared to last quarter. Consequently, a lower unemployment rate was recorded in the second quarter of 2024 with a reduction of 0.2 percentage points ( -23.6 thousand unemployed persons) as against the same quarter of the previous year (Q2 2023: 581.4 thousand persons; 3.5%).
  

• At the national level, LFPR improved to 70.5 per cent in the second quarter (Q1 2024: 70.2%). Most of the states recorded increases in LFPR during the second quarter of 2024 except Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak and Selangor. The highest LFPR was registered in Selangor (76.3%), followed by W.P. Kuala Lumpur (75.4%), Pulau Pinang (73.5%) and W.P. Putrajaya (73.4%).
  

• Looking at the unemployment situation by state, eight states registered a decline in the unemployment rate during the quarter, four states showed an increase in unemployment rate and the other four states remained unchanged. The lowest unemployment rate was recorded by Kedah with 1.7 per cent, followed by Pulau Pinang and Selangor with both recorded at 1.8 per cent.
  

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

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA

09 August 2024

For interviews, press statement and clarification to the media, contact:

Baharudin Mohamad

Public Relation Officer

Email: baharudin[at]dosm.gov.my

Phone: 03 8885 7942

Not found what you looking for? Request data from us, through

Go to eStatistik

email to data[at]dosm.gov.my

call 03 8885 7128 (data request)