Stats dept: Population reaches 34.4 million amid slower growth rate

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s total population was estimated at 34.4 million in the first quarter of this year (1Q26) compared with 34.2 million recorded during the same period last year, reflecting a slower growth of 0.5%, according to the Demographic Statistics for 1Q 2026 released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

Stats dept: Population reaches 34.4 million amid slower growth rate. PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s total population was estimated at 34.4 million in the first quarter of this year (1Q26) compared with 34.2 million recorded during the same period last year, reflecting a slower growth of 0.5%, according to the Demographic Statistics for 1Q 2026 released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the male population of Malaysia increased to 18.0 million from 17.9 million in 1Q25, and the female population rose to 16.3 million from 16.2 million in the same period a year ago. “The sex ratio was 110 males for every 100 females, while the sex ratio for citizens was 102. The composition of the old age population (65 years and over) increased from 7.9% to 8% in the 1Q26. “Meanwhile, the young age popu...