DOSM’s new PAKW Index shows Selangor has the highest cost for a decent living, while Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis are among the most affordable states
PUTRAJAYA: Selangor recorded the highest Basic Expenditure for Decent Living (PAKW) indices across all household sizes, according to new official data.
The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released its Cost of Living Indicators 2024 today, introducing the PAKW Index as a new measure.
Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis were among the states with the lowest index values, indicating a lower cost to maintain a decent standard of living.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the analysis revealed clear disparities in living costs across states.
“For single-person households, Selangor recorded the highest index at 92.0 points,” he stated.
Penang followed at 84.2 points and the Federal Territory of Putrajaya at 83.1 points.
The lowest values were recorded in Kelantan and Sarawak at 53.7 points each, and Kedah at 56.6 points.
A similar pattern was observed for two-, three- and four-person households.
Selangor consistently recorded the highest index values in these categories.
Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis and Sabah registered lower levels, though still reflecting a decent standard of living.
The index uses Kuala Lumpur as the reference point with a value of 100.
Lower index values indicate a lower expenditure requirement compared to the capital.
Based on the analysis, the reasonable cost for a single-person household in Kelantan is 46.3% lower than in Kuala Lumpur.
For a four-person household, the reasonable expenditure level in Perlis is 39.1% lower than the capital.
At the district level, only Petaling in Selangor recorded PAKW Index values exceeding the Kuala Lumpur reference across all household sizes.
Pantu in Sarawak was identified as the district with the lowest cost of living required for a decent standard.
The cost for a single-person household in Pantu is 72.2% lower than in Kuala Lumpur.
For a four-person household, the reasonable expenditure level in Perlis is 68.1% lower than the capital.
At the state capital level, Shah Alam consistently exceeded the Kuala Lumpur reference across all household sizes.
This reflects its relatively high cost of living, while Kangar recorded the lowest.
The MyPAKW 2024 calculator has been updated to enable households to estimate their living expenses.
The mobile application for the calculator is expected to be available from February 2026.
The National Action Council on Cost of Living previously agreed for DOSM to develop this new district-level indicator.
It is aimed at assisting the government in formulating more accurate and effective programmes and policies.
