Overview

• In July 2025, the number of employed persons was on an increasing trend, with an addition of 0.2 per cent (+33.6 thousand persons) to 16.95 million persons compared to the previous month (June 2025: 16.92 million persons). The employment-to-population ratio, which indicates the ability of an economy to create employment, held steady at 68.7 per cent during the month, consistent with the level recorded in June 2025.

• In terms of economic sectors, the number of employed persons in the Services sector sustained its favourable momentum during the month, particularly in Wholesale & retail trade; Accommodation and food & beverage services; as well as Information & communication activities. On the same note, the Manufacturing, Construction, Agriculture, and Mining & quarrying sectors also recorded positive growth in employment.

• The employees’ category continued to represent the largest share of employment, accounting for 75.0 per cent of the total employed persons. This category recorded an increase of 0.1 per cent (+18.3 thousand persons) to 12.71 million persons in July 2025 (June 2025: 12.69 million persons). Similarly, the number of own-account workers experienced a growth of 0.4 per cent (+11.8 thousand persons), totalling 3.21 million persons against the previous month (June 2025: 3.20 million persons).

• The number of unemployed persons during the month posted an increase of 0.6 per cent (+2.9 thousand persons) to 521.6 thousand persons (June 2025: 518.7 thousand persons). The unemployment rate in July 2025 stood at 3.0 per cent, the same as the previous month.

• In July 2025, the labour force continued its upward trajectory, expanding by 0.2 per cent (+36.5 thousand persons) month-on-month to reach 17.47 million persons, compared to 17.43 million persons in the prior month. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) for July 2025 remained at 70.8 per cent, as of June.

• The number of persons outside the labour force during the month recorded a rise of 0.2 per cent (+12.8 thousand persons) to 7.19 million persons compared to 7.18 million persons in June 2025. Housework/ family responsibilities was the largest component of the outside labour force, with a share of 43.7 per cent, followed by the schooling/ training category at 40.8 per cent.

The full publication of the Labour Force Report, July 2025 can be downloaded through eStatistik Portal

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA

10 September 2025

For interviews, press statement and clarification to the media, contact:
Baharudin Mohamad
Public Relation Officer
Email: baharudin[at]dosm.gov.my
Phone: 03 8090 4681

Not found what you looking for? Request data from us, through
Go to eStatistik
Email: data[at]dosm.gov.my
Phone: 03 8885 7128 (data request)