Survey Shows Malaysians are Happy, Highest in Kluang!

 

The Malaysia Happiness Index (MHI) 2024 recorded an overall score of 7.60, placing Malaysians in the happy category, said the Statistics Department (DOSM). For the first time, the report has been published at both state and administrative district levels, enabling more targeted and locally grounded assessments.

 

Sixteen state-level reports were produced, with Terengganu (8.64), Johor (8.08), and Negeri Sembilan (8.01) classified as very happy. A total of 36 districts were also classified as very happy with index scores ranging from 8.02 to 9.83, with Kluang recording the highest score at 9.83, followed by Raub (9.52) and Mersing (9.50). (I am living in the wrong city – KL). Happiness scores in urban (7.61) and rural areas (7.56) show a remarkably small disparity, indicating similar levels of well-being.

 

Source: https://en.wikiversity.org

 

DOSM said the outcome marks a significant milestone in assessing national social well-being, in line with Malaysia’s inclusive, people-driven, and evidence-based development aspirations. The MHI 2024 is based on the Malaysia Happiness Survey, which measures happiness across four dimensions: physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. The index comprises 94 indicators grouped into 13 components, making it one of the most comprehensive social statistics tools for evaluating the quality of life.

 

Findings show that the Religion and Spiritual (8.69) and Family (8.64) components are the strongest contributors to national happiness. Meanwhile, Culture (6.22) recorded the lowest score, though it still falls within the happy category. Demographically, females (7.62) reported higher happiness levels than males (7.57), and the 15 to 19 age group (7.79) emerged as the happiest cohort. This is according to the Chief Statistician.

 

But several questions arise; if they are happy, why do they gravitate to the Kelang Valley? What about Sabah and Sarawak? And where are the least happy places? And why? And if one is happy in Malaysia, why do they leave for Singapore, Australia, US or Canada? Which profession gives the most “happiness”? Certainly, the survey is a good step forward, but more needs to be done! And will policy follow such surveys?

 

Reference:

Survey shows M'sians are happy, highest in Kluang - Stats Dept, Malaysiakni/Bernama, 12 September 2025