Malaysia Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Malaysia's youth unemployment was 11.95% in 2025, ranked 87th globally. This represents a 2.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's youth unemployment stood at 11.95% in 2025, a decline of +0.30pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 12.27% by 2026. Malaysia ranked 87th globally.
Malaysia’s youth unemployment rate stood at 11.95 % in 2025, placing the country 87th in the global ranking and slightly above Denmark’s 11.74 % and Mongolia’s 11.71 % among its nearest peers. Over the 35‑year series, the indicator has oscillated between a low of 7.79 % in 1997 and a high of 12.37 % in 2020, the latter reflecting the pandemic‑driven contraction of labour markets. The post‑2020 period saw a modest decline, yet the 2025 level remains above the 1991 baseline of 10.81 %, suggesting that structural frictions such as skill mismatches and sectoral shifts have persisted. Compared with the Dominican Republic (12.31 %) and Cyprus (12.71 %), Malaysia’s rate is marginally lower but still indicates considerable slack among young workers. Continued investment in vocational training, digital upskilling and targeted employment subsidies could help lower the rate further, provided that economic growth remains resilient and policy measures are effectively implemented.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 12.44% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 12.35% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 12.27% | - | - |
| 2025 | 11.95% | −0.30pp | #87 |
| 2024 | 12.25% | +0.10pp | #86 |
| 2023 | 12.15% | −0.01pp | #90 |
| 2022 | 12.16% | +0.58pp | #89 |
| 2021 | 11.58% | −0.79pp | #71 |
| 2020 | 12.37% | +1.15pp | #71 |
| 2019 | 11.21% | −0.18pp | #81 |
| 2018 | 11.40% | +0.12pp | #83 |
| 2017 | 11.28% | +0.44pp | #80 |
| 2016 | 10.84% | −0.14pp | #73 |
| 2015 | 10.98% | +1.21pp | #71 |
| 2014 | 9.77% | −0.30pp | #65 |
| 2013 | 10.07% | −0.07pp | #70 |
| 2012 | 10.14% | +0.32pp | #73 |
| 2011 | 9.82% | −1.05pp | #67 |
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 unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaysia's youth unemployment was 11.95% in 2025. Ranked 87th globally. This represents a 2.4% decrease from the previous year.
Malaysia's youth unemployment peaked at 12.37% in 2020.
The lowest youth unemployment in Malaysia was 7.79% in 1997.
Malaysia ranks 87th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's youth unemployment is projected to reach 12.27% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Malaysia in 2025 was 11.95%. This ranks 87th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_youth-unemployment,
title = {Malaysia Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}