Labour Force (Statistics)

Overview

• In February 2026, the number of employed persons remained on an uptrend, rising by 0.1 per cent (+19.5 thousand persons) to 16.79 million persons, compared to the prior month (January 2026: 16.77 million persons). The employment-to-population ratio, which indicates the ability of an economy to create employment, stood at 68.8 per cent in February 2026, as recorded last month.

• The number of employed persons in the Services sector was on an increasing trend in February 2026. Within the sector, Wholesale and retail trade activities continued as the main contributor, followed by Accommodation and food & beverage services as well as Information and communication activities. Employment in the Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Construction sectors recorded increases, while the Mining & quarrying sector registered a decline.

• In February 2026, the employees' category accounted for 75.0 per cent of the total employed persons. This category went up by 0.1 per cent (+7.2 thousand persons) to record 12.59 million persons, compared with the previous month (January 2026: 12.59 million persons). The number of own-account workers also posted increases, with an addition of 0.3 per cent (+9.5 thousand persons) to 3.13 million persons, as against January 2026 at 3.13 million persons.

• The number of unemployed persons declined by 0.6 per cent (-2.8 thousand persons) to 506.8 thousand persons during the month (January 2026: 509.6 thousand persons). The unemployment rate was unchanged at 2.9 per cent for the fourth month.

• The labour force portrayed further enhancement in February 2026, expanding by 0.1 per cent(+16.6 thousand persons) to 17.30 million persons (January 2026: 17.28 million persons). February's labour force participation rate (LFPR) held steady at 70.9 per cent, the same as in January 2026.

• During the month, the number of persons outside the labour force decreased marginally by 0.04 per cent (-2.7 thousand persons) to 7.10 million persons (January 2026: 7.11 million persons). Housework/ family responsibilities were the main reason for being outside the labour force, comprising 43.2 per cent, while the schooling/ training category ranked second at 40.4 per cent.

The full publication of the Labour Force Report, February 2026 can be downloaded through eStatistik Portal

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA

10th April 2026

Infographic

Data

1. LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS, FEBRUARY 2026

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