Malaysia's labor productivity climbs slightly in Q1

Malaysia's labor productivity per hour worked grew 1 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, registering 42.5 ringgit (9.98 U.S. dollars) per hour, official data showed Thursday.

Malaysia's economy expanded 4.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 as compared to 4.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, while the total hours worked increased 3.3 percent to register 9.8 billion hours, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement.

According to the DOSM, the total number of employed persons was 16.9 million, indicating a year-on-year growth of 3 percent in the first quarter of 2025, while labor productivity per employment increased 1.3 percent to record value added per employment at 24,580 ringgit per person.

Meanwhile, the labor productivity measured as value added per hour worked for this quarter was driven by the growth in the construction sector at 11.3 percent, followed by the manufacturing sector at 2.8 percent.

"Propelled by sustainable labor market growth, thriving business activity and strengthening human capital, Malaysia's labor productivity is well positioned for a resilient positive outlook despite challenges in labor market reforms and economic uncertainties," the DOSM said.

Thus, the existence of strategic implementation and workforce development is crucial in ensuring the enhancement of labor efficiency, it added. (1 ringgit equals 0.23 U.S. dollar)

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Photo: KL Property