Malaysia Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Malaysia's youth literacy rate was 98.87% in 2025, ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's youth literacy rate stood at 98.87% in 2025, a rise of +0.08pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.87% by 2025. Malaysia ranked 32nd globally.
Malaysia’s youth literacy rate has risen steadily from 87.97 % in 1980 to a record 98.87 % in 2025, placing the nation 32nd globally. The 11‑point increase over 45 years reflects sustained investment in primary education, expanded access to schooling in rural areas, and the integration of digital learning tools during the 2010s. The 2025 peak of 98.87 % narrowly exceeds Iran’s 98.88 % and Paraguay’s 98.75 %, illustrating Malaysia’s competitive standing among similarly ranked peers. The upward trajectory aligns with the World Bank’s broader observation that youth literacy in Southeast Asia has generally improved as household incomes rise and governments prioritize universal basic education. Continued progress will depend on maintaining high enrollment rates, addressing disparities in remote regions, and adapting curricula to emerging skill demands; any slowdown in funding or policy focus could moderate the current positive trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 98.87% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.87% | +0.08pp | #32 |
| 2022 | 98.79% | +2.01pp | #25 |
| 2019 | 96.78% | −0.07pp | #38 |
| 2018 | 96.85% | −0.42pp | #33 |
| 2017 | 97.27% | −0.34pp | #30 |
| 2016 | 97.61% | −0.81pp | #28 |
| 2010 | 98.42% | +1.18pp | #19 |
| 2000 | 97.24% | +1.68pp | #19 |
| 1991 | 95.56% | +7.59pp | #12 |
| 1980 | 87.97% | – | #13 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's youth literacy rate was 98.87% in 2025. Ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 0.1% increase from the previous year.
Malaysia's youth literacy rate peaked at 98.87% in 2025.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Malaysia was 87.97% in 1980.
Malaysia ranks 32nd globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 98.87% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of Malaysia in 2025 was 98.87%. This ranks 32nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Malaysia Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}