Net migration in Malaysia
Malaysia: Net migration was 166,615 in 2025. ◆ Volatile
Net migration in Malaysia, 1960–2025
Source: World Population Prospects, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division.
Analysis
In 2025, net migration in Malaysia stood at 166,615.
That represents a change of down 4.7% on the previous year and down 11.2% over ten years.
Over the whole period, net migration in Malaysia peaked at 232,971 in 2006 and was at its lowest, -46,948, in 1960.
Malaysia ranks 7th of 215 countries on this measure, in the top 10%.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | -40,761 | -46,948 | -33,993 | 10 |
| 1970s | -20,203 | -31,839 | -13,980 | 10 |
| 1980s | 112,089 | 80,617 | 143,544 | 10 |
| 1990s | 83,985 | 61,079 | 135,020 | 10 |
| 2000s | 197,664 | 125,499 | 232,971 | 10 |
| 2010s | 178,657 | 122,269 | 227,677 | 10 |
| 2020s | 166,837 | 101,907 | 188,506 | 6 |
Countries ranked near Malaysia
- 4 United Kingdom 389,911 compare
- 5 Canada 326,204 compare
- 6 Sudan 291,469 compare
- 8 United Arab Emirates 158,634 compare
- 9 South Africa 146,370 compare
- 10 Japan 140,579 compare
More financial sector data for Malaysia
- Domestic credit to private sector by banks 117.9% (2025)
- Total reserves in months of imports 4.45 (2024)
- Net domestic credit 2.96 trillion current LCU (2025)
- Net foreign assets 289.80 billion current LCU (2025)
- Monetary Sector credit to private sector 117.9% (2025)
- Broad money 120.6% (2025)
- Claims on central government, etc. 17.6% (2025)
- Domestic credit to private sector 117.9% (2025)
- Official exchange rate 4.28 LCU per US$, period average (2025)
- Claims on central government -0.0% (2025)
Frequently asked questions
- What is net migration in Malaysia?
- Net migration in Malaysia was 166,615 in 2025, according to World Population Prospects, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division.
- What is the highest net migration recorded in Malaysia?
- The highest recorded value was 232,971 in 2006.
- What is the lowest net migration recorded in Malaysia?
- The lowest recorded value was -46,948 in 1960.
- How does Malaysia rank for net migration?
- Malaysia ranks 7th out of 215 countries with data for 2025.
- Is net migration rising or falling in Malaysia?
- Over the last ten years it is down 11.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Malaysia data come from?
- The figures come from World Population Prospects, United Nations (UN), publisher: UN Population Division, published as part of Net migration. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
Download this data
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About this data
Net migration is the net total of migrants during the period, that is, the number of immigrants minus the number of emigrants, including both citizens and noncitizens.