PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's non-citizen population is projected to reach 3.38 million in 2025, with an annual growth rate of -0.5% compared with 2024, according to the Statistics Malaysia Department.
According to the International Migration Statistics, Malaysia 2025 report released by the department, the share of the non-citizen population decreased from 10.0%t in 2024 to 9.9% in 2025.
"Overall, 33 administrative districts recorded a non-citizen population composition above the national average of 9.9% in 2025," the department said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 24).
This is the first time the department has released the International Migration Statistics, Malaysia 2025 publication, in line with the United Nations' Recommendations on Statistics of International Migration and Temporary Mobility 2025, which encourages member countries to provide integrated and continuous statistics on both stocks and flows of international migration.
Commenting on the report, chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the publication serves as the foundation for developing a more structured and consistent international migration data system, in accordance with international standards.
In the initial phase of Malaysia's international migration statistics, the focus will be on migrant stock statistics, which include comprehensive data on the non-citizen population in Malaysia and Malaysian citizens abroad.
"This stock data will continue to be improved through broader data coverage and enhanced methodologies to ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency," he added.
"The department will continue to strengthen coordination with relevant agencies to support the provision of more accurate, comprehensive, and useful international migration statistics for policy and national planning," he said.
According to the department, these statistics are crucial for policy formulation and the planning of international migration-related programmes, and serve as a reference for researchers and academics.
International migration plays a significant role in shaping the country's population structure, with direct implications for the labour market, the provision of social services, and socio-economic development planning.
"As such, the availability of high-quality and reliable international migration statistics is essential to support policymaking and decision-making," the statement added. – Bernama
