Overview

• In November 2023, the number of employed persons continued on an upward trend, registering a month-on-month increase of 0.2 per cent (+27.9 thousand persons) to 16.43 million persons (October 2023: 16.40 million persons). The employment-to-population ratio, which indicates the ability of an economy to create employment, increased to 67.8 per cent in November 2023 compared to the previous month (October 2023: 67.7%).

• Across various economic sectors, the number of employed persons in the Services sector remained increased, particularly in Information & communication; Food & beverage services; and Transportation & storage activities. Similarly, the Manufacturing, Construction, and Mining & quarrying sector also showed rises in the number of employed persons in November 2023. Meanwhile, the Agriculture sector recorded a decline in the number of employed persons during the same month.

• Out of the total employed persons in November 2023, 75.3 per cent were in the employees' category. This category posted a slight increase of 0.1 per cent (+16.2 thousand persons) to 12.37 million persons (October 2023: 12.35 million persons). On the same note, the own-account workers category also rose to 2.99 million persons (October 2023: 2.99 million persons), with an addition of 0.3 per cent (+9.4 thousand persons). This group primarily consists mostly of daily income earners working as small business operators such as retailers, hawkers, sellers in markets and stalls, as well as smallholders.

• During the month, the number of unemployed persons continued to be on a declining trend, with a reduction of 0.3 per cent (-.17 thousand persons) to 569.2 thousand persons (October 2023: 570.9 thousand persons). November's unemployment rate fell 3.3 per cent and returned to the pre-pandemic level, compared to 3.4 per cent recorded last month.

• The number of labour force continued to trend up in November 2023, with a monthly increases of 0.2 per cent (+26.3 thousand persons) to 17.0 million persons (October 2023: 16.97 million persons). The labour force participation rate (LFPR) during the month was unchanged at 70.1 per cent.

• In November 2023, the number of persons outside labour force was on a downward trend, with a reduction of 2.2 thousand persons (-0.03%) to 7.24 million persons ( October 2023: 7.24 million persons). Housework/ family responsibilities were the main reasons for the outside labour force with 42.6 per cent, followed by schooling/ training (41.1%).

The full publication of the Labour Force Report, November 2023 can be downloaded through eStatistik Portal

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA

10 JANUARY 2024

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Baharudin Mohamad

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