Malaysia’s total population now numbers 34.1 million. This is according to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) (in its Current Population Estimates 2024). The growth of 0.7 million people was in comparison to 33.4 million recorded for the same period last year.
Although the population has grown overall, the composition of citizens has dipped in comparison to foreigners. The department attributed the increase in the composition of non-citizens to the reopening of Malaysia’s borders on April 1, 2022 and the implementation of the Employment Recalibration Programme 2.0 in January 2023.
The composition of citizens in 2024 decreased from 91.1 per cent (2023) to 90.0 per cent, while non-citizens increased to 10.0 per cent from 8.9 per cent over the same period, according to the report.
The number of Malaysia’s
citizens is shrinking compared to foreigners in 2024. — Infographic from
X/Department of Statistics Malaysia
As citizens made up 30.7 million of the population, the report found that Bumiputeras dominated the citizens’ demographic at 70.4 per cent, an increase from last year’s 70.1 per cent. This includes the peoples from Sabah and Sarawak. And if we exclude them, the Malay population is probably in the lower end of 60%. That has implications on politics and economics.
Meanwhile, the composition of the Chinese and Indians decreased from 22.6 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively in 2023, to 22.4 per cent and 6.5 per cent in 2024 while Others remained at 0.7 per cent.
As citizens made up 30.7 million of the population, the report found that Bumiputeras dominated the citizens’ demographic at 70.4 per cent, an increase from last year’s 70.1 per cent. — Infographic from X/Department of Statistics Malaysia
Although Selangor was the most populated state making up 21.6 per cent of the nation’s population, it came in fifth as one of the most densely populated states at only 927 people per square kilometre.
In contrast, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya have 8,518 and 2,440 people per square kilometre respectively.
As citizens made up 30.7
million of the population, the report found that Bumiputeras dominated the
citizens’ demographic at 70.4 per cent, an increase from last year’s 70.1 per
cent. — Infographic from X/Department of Statistics Malaysia
Although Selangor was the most populated state making up 21.6 per cent of the nation’s population, it came in fifth as one of the most densely populated states at only 927 people per square kilometre. — Infographic from X/Department of Statistics Malaysia
The implications of the above developments are in education, health, security and welfare. Foreign, non-citizens are treated differently and have limited access to basic education and health. They are also seen as a security threat. We need to show more compassion to these people who are gainfully employed and provide services that citizens may shy away from. The ones who suffer most are children and women!
Reference:
Malaysia’s population up to 34.1 million in 2024, but govt data shows slight uptick in foreign composition, Zaf Seraj, Malay Mail, 31 July 2024
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