Malaysiaโs total population has now reached 34.1 million, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) in its Current Population Estimates 2024 released today. This represents a growth of 0.7 million people compared to the 33.4 million recorded for the same period last year.
Population Growth and Composition Shifts
While Malaysia’s population has grown overall, the composition of citizens has dipped slightly in comparison to foreigners. This demographic shift can be attributed to the reopening of Malaysiaโs borders on April 1, 2022, and the implementation of the Employment Recalibration Programme 2.0 in January 2023.
Citizen vs. Non-Citizen Composition:
- 2023: Citizens constituted 91.1% of the population.
- 2024: Citizens now constitute 90.0% of the population, while non-citizens increased from 8.9% to 10.0%.
This shift highlights the significant impact of international migration and employment programs on Malaysia’s demographic landscape.
Breakdown of Citizen Demographics
Among Malaysia’s 30.7 million citizens, the demographic distribution is as follows:
- Bumiputeras: 70.4% (up from 70.1% in 2023)
- Chinese: 22.4% (down from 22.6% in 2023)
- Indians: 6.5% (down from 6.6% in 2023)
- Others: 0.7% (unchanged from 2023)
The increase in the Bumiputera population and the slight decline in Chinese and Indian populations reflect ongoing demographic trends within the country.
State-Wise Population Distribution
Selangor remains the most populated state in Malaysia, making up 21.6% of the nationโs population. However, it is not the most densely populated state. Here is a detailed look at population density across key regions:
Selangor:
- Population: Largest in the country
- Density: 927 people per square kilometer
- Ranking in Density: Fifth
Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya:
- Kuala Lumpur:
- Population Density: 8,518 people per square kilometer
- Putrajaya:
- Population Density: 2,440 people per square kilometer
The stark contrast in population density between Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor highlights the urban concentration in Malaysiaโs federal territories compared to its most populous state.
Implications of Population Trends
The population trends in Malaysia have several implications:
- Economic Impact:
- Workforce: The increase in non-citizens contributes to a more diverse and potentially larger workforce, which can drive economic growth.
- Consumption: A larger population, especially in urban areas, boosts domestic consumption, benefiting local businesses and services.
- Urban Planning:
- Infrastructure Needs: Higher population densities in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya necessitate robust infrastructure development to manage congestion and provide adequate services.
- Housing Demand: The growing population in densely populated areas drives demand for housing, which could impact real estate prices and urban development projects.
- Social Services:
- Healthcare and Education: Increased population, especially with a higher proportion of non-citizens, may put additional strain on healthcare and educational services, requiring government intervention to ensure adequate provision.
Future Projections and Government Initiatives
Malaysia is expected to become an ageing nation by 2030, with the population aged 60 years and over surpassing 15% of the total population. As of 2024, the population aged 60 and over has increased to 3.9 million (11.6%), up from 3.8 million (11.3%) in 2023.
Ageing Population:
- Current: 2.6 million people (7.7% of the population) are 65 years old and above.
- Projection: By 2030, Malaysia will be an ageing nation.
The governmentโs initiatives, such as the National Senior Citizens Policy (DWEN) and the National Senior Citizens Action Plan (PTWEN), are crucial in addressing the needs of an ageing population.
Conclusion
Malaysiaโs population growth to 34.1 million, as reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, reflects significant demographic changes and highlights the need for strategic planning in urban development, social services, and economic policies. The rising number of non-citizens and the increasing proportion of the ageing population are key factors that will shape Malaysiaโs future development. By addressing these challenges and leveraging opportunities, Malaysia can ensure sustainable growth and improved quality of life for its residents.
