KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The number of unemployed people in Malaysia rose 0.6 percent quarter-on-quarter to 509,700 in the second quarter of 2026, pushing the jobless rate up to 3 percent from 2.9 percent in the previous quarter, official data showed Tuesday.
The increase in unemployment came as the labor force continued to expand, rising 0.3 percent to 17.28 million people from 17.23 million in the first quarter, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement.
The number of employed people also increased 0.2 percent quarter-on-quarter to 16.77 million, while the labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 70.9 percent.
Looking ahead from July, the DOSM said Malaysia's labor market is expected to remain resilient, supported by relatively stable domestic economic conditions, continued investment activity, and sustained labor demand.
However, it noted that prolonged uncertainty surrounding global energy markets, geopolitical developments, and external trade conditions could weigh on business costs and hiring decisions if these pressures persist. ■