MALAYSIA’S population is projected to reach a peak of 42.38 million in 2059 before entering a gradual decline, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the country’s population growth is expected to slow significantly in the coming decades, despite consistent increases up to the year 2059.
“Malaysia is projected to reach its peak population of 42.38 million in 2059 before gradually declining to 42.37 million in 2060, 42.08 million in 2065, and 41.43 million in 2070,” he said during the launch of World Population Day 2025, themed ‘Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world’.
“Although the population will continue to grow from 2020 to 2059, the annual growth rate is expected to decline sharply from 1.7 per cent in 2020 to just 0.1 per cent in 2060.”
The projection also highlights major demographic shifts.
The percentage of the population aged 0 to 14 years is expected to fall from 24.0 per cent in 2020 to 16.0 per cent in 2060.
Meanwhile, the working-age population (15 to 64 years) is projected to rise to 70.8 per cent in 2030 from 69.2 per cent in 2020, but will begin declining between 2040 and 2050, reaching 65.7 per cent in 2060.
In contrast, the elderly population aged 65 and above is expected to grow significantly—from 6.8 per cent in 2020 to 18.3 per cent by 2060.
“Malaysia became an ageing nation in 2021 and is projected to become an aged nation by 2048, when over 14 per cent of its population will be aged 65 and above,” Mohd Uzir noted.
Under the National Policy for Older Persons (Dasar Warga Emas Negara, DWEN), a country is considered ageing when 15 per cent of its population is aged 60 and above.
“Malaysia is expected to reach this threshold by 2036,” he added.
The population projection report, with 2020 as its base year, provides a statistical outlook on Malaysia’s demographic structure over the next 40 years.
Kuala Lumpur enters ageing society phase early
Meanwhile, Uzir said Kuala Lumpur is forecast to be the earliest region in Malaysia to reach its peak population, with numbers expected to plateau at approximately 2.087 million as early as 2031, signalling a transition into an ageing society.
He said the trend reflects a rapid demographic shift consistent with the city’s almost complete urbanisation.
“Kuala Lumpur is expected to reach peak population earlier than other states due to the fast-paced urban lifestyle, delayed marriages, and increasingly smaller household sizes,” he said during the World Population Day celebration on Friday.
He noted that the capital’s near-100 per cent urbanisation rate has significantly influenced the population’s living patterns, distinguishing it from states where urban development is still gradual.
“In the city, life is always on the move. This affects fertility rates and decisions about marriage and starting a family. This contrasts with states like Kelantan or Terengganu, where higher birth rates persist due to a more relaxed rural lifestyle,” he added.
Dr Mohd Uzir said states with higher levels of development and urbanisation, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Selangor, are experiencing more rapid demographic transitions than others.
“For instance, Selangor has a lower birth rate, whereas birth rates remain high in Kelantan and Terengganu. Where daily life demands greater time efficiency, urban dwellers tend to lead more fast-paced and compact routines,” he said.
He explained that urban living has a direct impact on marriage patterns and family formation.
“In general, urbanisation brings with it characteristics such as later marriages and smaller household sizes,” he stated.
In contrast, states like Kelantan, Terengganu, and Sabah, with lower levels of urbanisation, retain more traditional and laid-back rural living styles, which continue to support higher fertility rates. - July 11, 2025
