Malaysia’s workforce continued its recovery momentum in May 2025, with employment rising by 43,800 to reach 16.86 million, signalling broad-based job creation across major economic sectors. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported a 0.3% month-on-month increase in employed persons, with the employment-to-population ratio inching up to 68.7%.
The services sector sustained its leading role in employment growth, particularly in accommodation and food & beverage, wholesale and retail trade, and transport-related services. Gains were also recorded in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and mining, underscoring sectoral diversity in job opportunities.
Employees made up 75.1% of the employed population, growing by 24,600 to 12.66 million. Meanwhile, own-account workers, including freelancers and self-employed individuals, saw a 0.5% increase, adding 14,200 to reach 3.18 million, highlighting growing interest in alternative employment models.The labour force expanded to 17.38 million, while unemployment declined by 0.7% to 522,400. The unemployment rate held steady at 3.0%, and the labour force participation rate remained at 70.8%, suggesting a stable and active workforce.
While 7.18 million individuals remained outside the labour force, most cited family responsibilities or education and training as reasons.