13-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia’s population has continued its upward trajectory, reaching an estimated 34.1 million in the second quarter of 2023, according to the latest official data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia on Tuesday. This figure represents a 1.9 percent increase from the 33.4 million recorded in the same period last year, highlighting the nation’s steady demographic expansion.
The comprehensive report provides a detailed breakdown of Malaysia’s population composition, offering valuable insights into the country’s evolving social landscape. Citizens continue to form the overwhelming majority, accounting for 90 percent of the total population, while non-citizens make up the remaining 10 percent.
Gender distribution figures reveal a slight imbalance, with the male population rising to 17.9 million from 17.5 million a year ago, while the female population increased to 16.2 million from 15.9 million. This data could have implications for various sectors, including workforce planning and social services.
Ethnic composition remains a crucial aspect of Malaysia’s diverse society. The report indicates that ethnic Malays continue to form the majority, representing 58.1 percent of the population in the second quarter. The Chinese community follows as the second-largest ethnic group at 22.4 percent, while Indians constitute 6.5 percent. The remaining 12.3 percent is categorised as “others”, encompassing various indigenous groups and other minorities.
Interestingly, the data reveals some notable trends in the country’s vital statistics. The number of live births witnessed a significant decrease of 10.2 percent, dropping to 100,732 from 112,197 in the same quarter last year. This substantial decline in birth rates could have far-reaching implications for Malaysia’s future demographic structure and economic planning.
Concurrently, the mortality figures also showed a downward trend. A total of 48,460 deaths were recorded in the second quarter, marking a 5.4 percent decrease compared to the 51,234 deaths reported in the corresponding period last year. This reduction in mortality rates could be indicative of improvements in healthcare services or changes in lifestyle factors.
These demographic shifts present both opportunities and challenges for policymakers. The slowing birth rate, if sustained, could lead to an ageing population in the long term, potentially impacting labour force dynamics and healthcare demands. Conversely, the decrease in mortality rates might suggest advancements in public health initiatives and medical care.
