Malaysia Income Share Bottom 10%
Income share held by lowest 10% SI.DST.FRST.10
Malaysia's income share bottom 10% was 2.30% in 2021, ranked 56th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1984–2021.
Overview
Malaysia's income share bottom 10% stood at 2.30% in 2021, a rise of +0.00pp from 2018. Malaysia ranked 56th globally.
Malaysia’s share of total national income accruing to the bottom 10 percent of earners stood at 2.30 percent in 2021, the highest level recorded since the series began in 1984 and matching the peaks observed in Italy and the United States. The indicator rose from a low of 1.70 percent during the Asian financial crisis of 1997 to its current level, reflecting a gradual improvement in the distribution of income to the poorest decile over the 14‑year coverage period. Although the rise from the earliest observation of 1.80 percent in 1984 signals progress, the share remains modest compared with many advanced economies, suggesting that gains have been incremental rather than transformative. The upward trajectory appears linked to sustained fiscal reforms and targeted social programmes, yet future shifts will depend on the extent to which Malaysia can deepen inclusive growth, expand labour market participation for low‑income groups, and mitigate external shocks that could reverse the modest gains.
Data & projection
| Year | Income Share Bottom 10% | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.30% | +0.00pp | #56 |
| 2018 | 2.30% | +0.00pp | #66 |
| 2015 | 2.30% | +0.00pp | #51 |
| 2013 | 2.30% | +0.30pp | #48 |
| 2011 | 2.00% | +0.20pp | #62 |
| 2008 | 1.80% | −0.10pp | #63 |
| 2006 | 1.90% | +0.10pp | #61 |
| 2003 | 1.80% | +0.10pp | #55 |
| 1997 | 1.70% | −0.10pp | #25 |
| 1995 | 1.80% | −0.10pp | #36 |
| 1992 | 1.90% | −0.20pp | #28 |
| 1989 | 2.10% | +0.10pp | #10 |
| 1987 | 2.00% | +0.20pp | #20 |
| 1984 | 1.80% | – | #10 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw income share bottom 10% improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's income share bottom 10% was 2.30% in 2021. Ranked 56th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Malaysia's income share bottom 10% peaked at 2.30% in 2013.
The lowest income share bottom 10% in Malaysia was 1.70% in 1997.
Malaysia ranks 56th globally in income share bottom 10% as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.DST.FRST.10. Data sourced from World Bank.
The income share bottom 10% of Malaysia in 2021 was 2.30%. This ranks 56th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_income-bottom-10,
title = {Malaysia Income Share Bottom 10%},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/income-bottom-10/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}