PETALING JAYA: Malaysians' favourability towards China has increased significantly from 39% in 2022 to 77% in 2024, according to a survey by the research firm Merdeka Centre.
The survey reveals that among Malays, the favourability towards China rose from 28% in 2022 to 73% in 2024. Among the Chinese community, it increased from 67% in 2022 to 90% in 2024.
The public opinion survey, titled “Perception towards China: Foreign Affairs, Current Issues, Diplomacy, and Economy”, was conducted between May 17 and June 10 to mark the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China relations.
"On the issue of perceived relationship, the percentage has increased from 70% in 2022 to 84% in 2024 and 62% says the overall impression of China is better in 2024 with only 34% in 2022," said Merdeka Centre in a statement.
It said 84% view the relationship between China and Malaysia as positive now compared to 70% in 2022.
"On the perception of Chinese investment, the positive percentage has increased from 70% in 2022 to 82% in 2024.
The Merdeka Centre conducted telephone interviews with 1,225 respondents aged 18 and above, selected through a random stratified sampling method based on ethnicity, gender, age, and state, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.94%.
