Jobless rate in S’gor sees steady decline to 1.9%

Papparaidu says Selangor recorded the nation’s highest labour force participation rate at 78%.

UNEMPLOYMENT in Selangor has dropped to 1.9% this year, one of the lowest levels recorded in the past seven years.

State human resources and poverty eradication committee chairman V. Papparaidu said according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Selangor’s unemployment rate had steadily declined from 3.8% (112,000 people) in 2022 to 2% (80,000 people) by the end of 2024, before reaching 1.9% in second quarter of 2025.

“Selangor also recorded the highest labour force participation rate in Malaysia at 78%, reinforcing its position as one of the states with the lowest unemployment,” he added.

While describing the trend as encouraging, Papparaidu said focus should also be on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities and ex-offenders.

“These groups are often overlooked, but we must not overlook their potential.

“With training and support, many can be employed in the service sector or high-value industries,” he said at the Selangor Career Fair at MBSA Convention Centre in Section 13, Shah Alam.

The fair saw the participation of over 40 employers offering 6,000 vacancies, with 70% of the jobs paying more than RM2,500 and 75% located within Selangor, including in Selayang, Petaling Jaya and Klang.

Papparaidu also said Selangor’s focus on the semiconductor and integrated circuit (IC) design sector, with an upcoming exhibition at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, was expected to offer opportunities for Malaysians to earn high starting salaries.

“If you complete the basic IC course, your starting salary could be RM8,000.

“This shows that Malaysia can provide high-paying jobs,” he added.

Papparaidu said proactive measures since the Covid-19 pandemic had steadily reduced unemployment in Selangor and he was optimistic the figure could go lower in coming years.