Malaysia Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Malaysia's labor force participation was 66.12% in 2025, ranked 50th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's labor force participation stood at 66.12% in 2025, a rise of +0.01pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 66.32% by 2026. Malaysia ranked 50th globally.
Malaysia's labor force participation has demonstrated a steady upward trend over the past three and a half decades, with the rate increasing from 56.28% in 1990 to 66.22% in 2022, before dipping slightly to 66.12% in 2025. This upward trajectory is comparable to that of other countries in the region, such as Panama, which reported a marginally higher participation rate of 66.30% in 2025. The country's labor force participation rate has been steadily increasing since the early 1990s, with a notable acceleration in the 2010s. The peak rate in 2022 suggests a strong labor market, with a large proportion of the population actively engaged in employment. However, the slight decline in 2025 may indicate a potential slowdown in the labor market. A significant shift in demographic trends, such as a change in the country's population growth rate or an increase in retirement age, could significantly alter the trajectory of Malaysia's labor force participation rate.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 66.49% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 66.40% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 66.32% | - | - |
| 2025 | 66.12% | +0.01pp | #50 |
| 2024 | 66.11% | −0.07pp | #50 |
| 2023 | 66.18% | −0.05pp | #51 |
| 2022 | 66.22% | +0.60pp | #49 |
| 2021 | 65.62% | +0.15pp | #51 |
| 2020 | 65.47% | −0.40pp | #50 |
| 2019 | 65.87% | +0.30pp | #54 |
| 2018 | 65.57% | +0.37pp | #56 |
| 2017 | 65.20% | +0.11pp | #61 |
| 2016 | 65.09% | −0.09pp | #61 |
| 2015 | 65.19% | +0.22pp | #62 |
| 2014 | 64.96% | +1.00pp | #62 |
| 2013 | 63.96% | +1.01pp | #69 |
| 2012 | 62.95% | +1.02pp | #79 |
| 2011 | 61.94% | +0.34pp | #83 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's labor force participation was 66.12% in 2025. Ranked 50th globally. This represents a 0.0% increase from the previous year.
Malaysia's labor force participation peaked at 66.22% in 2022.
The lowest labor force participation in Malaysia was 56.28% in 1990.
Malaysia ranks 50th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's labor force participation is projected to reach 66.32% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Malaysia in 2025 was 66.12%. This ranks 50th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_labor-force-participation,
title = {Malaysia Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}