Malaysia Unemployment Rate — 2026 Data, Trend & Forecast
Malaysia's unemployment rate was 3.76% in December 2025, down from 3.85% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 3.85%.
Malaysia's unemployment rate stands at 3.76% as of December 2025. The unemployment rate currently sits at 3.76% (down from 3.85% in the prior year). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 2.45% and 4.64%, and is 0.08% lower than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 226 economies tracked on this platform, Malaysia ranks #154 on unemployment rate by latest value. It fell from 3.85% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 3.85%.
What's driving it
Joblessness tracks the business cycle, labour-force participation and structural shifts in industry, and tends to lag changes in output.
Recent readings
| Period | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 3.76% |
| Dec 2024 | 3.85% |
| Dec 2023 | 3.86% |
| Dec 2022 | 3.93% |
| Dec 2021 | 4.64% |
| Dec 2020 | 4.54% |
| Dec 2019 | 3.33% |
| Dec 2018 | 3.30% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
What Is the Unemployment Rate in Malaysia in 2026?
Malaysia's unemployment rate was 3.76% in December 2025, down from 3.85% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 3.85%.
Is the unemployment rate rising or falling in Malaysia?
It fell in the latest reading — 3.76% in December 2025 versus 3.85% a year earlier. Year on year it is lower.
What is unemployment rate?
It measures the share of the labour force that is without work but actively seeking a job.