Overview

• The number of employed persons continued its upward trend in October 2025, posting an increase of 0.2 per cent (+33.8 thousand persons) to 17.06 million persons, compared to 17.03 million persons in September 2025. The employment-to-population ratio, which indicates the ability of an economy to create employments, held steady at 68.8 per cent in October 2025, unchanged from September 2025.

• The employment in the Services sector continued to rise steadily in October 2025, significantly driven by Accommodation and food & beverage services; Wholesale and retail trade; as well as Information and communication activities. Similarly, the Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Construction sectors also recorded increases in the number of employed persons, while the employment in the Mining & quarrying sector posted decreases.

• In October 2025, 74.8 per cent of the total employed persons were in the employees’ category. This category registered a marginal increase of 0.1 per cent (+17.2 thousand persons) to record 12.76 million persons compared to 12.74 million persons in September 2025. The number of own-account workers also continued to edge up, rising by 0.4 per cent (+11.9 thousand persons) to 3.25 million persons, as against 3.24 million persons in September 2025.

• The number of unemployed persons in October 2025 increased slightly by 0.1 per cent (+0.3 thousand persons) to 518.9 thousand persons from 518.6 thousand persons last month. The unemployment rate during the month was unchanged at 3.0 per cent as recorded in September 2025.

• The labour force continued its upward trajectory in October 2025, rose by 0.2 per cent (+34.2 thousand persons) month-on-month to 17.58 million persons (September 2025: 17.54 million persons). October’s labour force participation rate (LFPR) remained at 70.9 per cent, as of last month.

• In October 2025, the number of persons outside the labour force was on an upward trend, rising by 0.1 per cent (+8.9 thousand persons), reaching 7.22 million persons compared to 7.21 million in September 2025. The main reason for those being outside the labour force was due to housework/ family responsibilities, making up 43.6 per cent. The second-largest group consisted of those in schooling/ training at 40.7 per cent.

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

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA

10th December 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

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