Malaysia’s Labour Demand Strengthens to 9.21 Million in Q4 2025, Fastest Growth Since Early Last Year
PUTRAJAYA, Feb 12 — Malaysia’s labour demand rose 1.8 per cent to 9.21 million jobs in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking the strongest expansion since the first quarter of last year, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the increase signals sustained resilience in the domestic labour market amid firmer economic activity and supportive fiscal measures.
Filled positions accounted for 97.8 per cent of total jobs, leaving 2.2 per cent as vacancies. During the quarter, employers generated 32,100 new jobs, reflecting steady hiring activity across industries.
“The number of filled jobs reached 9.02 million, the highest level recorded in the series, representing a 1.8 per cent year-on-year increase compared to 8.86 million in the same quarter of 2024,” he said in a statement.
Services Remain Primary Growth Driver
Growth was broad-based across sectors, with services continuing to anchor labour demand.
The services sector expanded by 2.6 per cent and accounted for 4.80 million filled jobs, equivalent to 53.1 per cent of total employment demand. Manufacturing followed with 2.42 million jobs or 26.9 per cent, while construction contributed 1.25 million jobs or 13.9 per cent.
By skill composition, semi-skilled roles dominated the labour market at 62.3 per cent or 5.62 million positions. Skilled jobs represented 25.3 per cent (2.27 million), while low-skilled roles comprised 12.4 per cent (1.12 million).
Manufacturing Records Highest Vacancies
Manufacturing posted the largest number of vacancies at 115,800, accounting for more than half of total job openings.
The electrical, electronic and optical products subsector led with 35,700 vacancies, followed by petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products at 20,500 openings.
Agriculture and services recorded 32,000 and 25,000 vacancies respectively.
Mohd Uzir said the data reflects a labour market that remains responsive and adaptive, underpinned by steady industrial demand and policy-driven economic support.
-wilayah.com.my
