Malaysia Agriculture Employment
Employment in agriculture SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS
Malaysia's agriculture employment was 9.18% in 2025, ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 2.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's agriculture employment stood at 9.18% in 2025, a decline of +0.25% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.90% by 2026. Malaysia ranked 73rd globally.
Malaysia’s share of the labour force employed in agriculture fell from 18.91 percent in 1991, the highest level recorded over the 35‑year series, to 9.18 percent in 2025, placing the country 73rd globally. The decline reflects structural transformation as manufacturing and services expanded, reducing the relative importance of farming despite continued reliance on rice, palm oil and rubber. The 2025 figure is closely aligned with peer small‑state averages, such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines at 9.07 percent and Cabo Verde at 9.25 percent, underscoring a broader regional shift toward non‑agricultural employment. While the long‑term trajectory points to further contraction of agricultural jobs, policy interventions that promote high‑value agro‑industry, mechanisation and rural diversification could moderate the pace of decline and sustain rural incomes.
Data & projection
| Year | Agriculture Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 8.34% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 8.62% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.90% | - | - |
| 2025 | 9.18% | −0.25% | #73 |
| 2024 | 9.44% | −0.31% | #73 |
| 2023 | 9.75% | −0.26% | #73 |
| 2022 | 10.01% | −0.28% | #74 |
| 2021 | 10.29% | −0.18% | #73 |
| 2020 | 10.47% | +0.25% | #75 |
| 2019 | 10.22% | −0.40% | #74 |
| 2018 | 10.63% | −0.67% | #74 |
| 2017 | 11.29% | −0.07% | #78 |
| 2016 | 11.37% | −1.10% | #77 |
| 2015 | 12.47% | −0.10% | #78 |
| 2014 | 12.57% | −0.12% | #78 |
| 2013 | 12.69% | −0.56% | #78 |
| 2012 | 13.25% | +1.37% | #79 |
| 2011 | 11.88% | −1.43% | #74 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw agriculture employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's agriculture employment was 9.18% in 2025. Ranked 73rd globally. This represents a 2.7% decrease from the previous year.
Malaysia's agriculture employment peaked at 18.91% in 1991.
The lowest agriculture employment in Malaysia was 9.18% in 2025.
Malaysia ranks 73rd globally in agriculture employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's agriculture employment is projected to reach 8.90% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The agriculture employment of Malaysia in 2025 was 9.18%. This ranks 73rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_agriculture-employment,
title = {Malaysia Agriculture Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/agriculture-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}