Malaysia’s non-citizen population is projected to fall to 3.38 million in 2025, with its share of the total population declining to 9.9%.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s non-citizen population is projected to reach 3.38 million in 2025.
This represents a decline in its share of the total population from 10.0% in 2024 to 9.9% this year.
The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said the annual growth rate for this group is estimated at -0.5% for 2025.
It noted that 33 administrative districts recorded a non-citizen composition above the national average of 9.9%.
The data is part of the inaugural ‘International Migration Statistics, Malaysia 2025’ report released today.
Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the publication aligns with United Nations recommendations.
“This serves as the foundation for developing a more structured and consistent international migration data system,” he said in a statement.
The initial phase focuses on migrant stock statistics, covering non-citizens in Malaysia and Malaysians abroad.
Mohd Uzir said the data will be improved through broader coverage and enhanced methodologies.
DOSM will also strengthen coordination with other agencies to support more accurate statistics.
The department emphasised that these figures are crucial for policy formulation and national planning.
International migration significantly shapes the country’s population structure.
It has direct implications for the labour market, social services, and socio-economic development.
“The availability of high-quality and reliable international migration statistics is essential to support policymaking,” DOSM added.
