Government data reveals stark regional disparities despite zero hardcore poverty classification
Despite steady economic growth and ongoing social assistance programs, poverty remains a persistent reality for millions across Malaysia, highlighting deep regional and structural challenges that continue to demand urgent policy attention.
National Poverty Figures Remain Concerning
More than 1.2 million Malaysians were still living in poverty as of December 31, 2025, according to the Household Income Survey cited by Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs. The figure represents 1,204,995 individuals, including 247,062 heads of households, within a national population estimated at 34.3 million as of November 2025.
Sabah, Kelantan, and Terengganu Most Affected
Regional data shows significant disparities across states. Sabah recorded the highest number of people living in poverty at 254,303, followed closely by Kelantan with 239,850 and Terengganu with 117,159. These figures underline the persistent economic challenges faced by East Malaysia and several northern and eastern peninsular states.
Poverty Across Other Malaysian States
Other states with notable poverty figures include Sarawak with 103,968 individuals, Kedah with 91,768, and Perak with 79,455. Even economically stronger states were not immune, with Selangor recording 65,177 people living in poverty, Penang 44,852, and Johor 39,022, demonstrating that poverty is not confined solely to rural or less developed regions.
Lower Numbers in Urban and Federal Territories
States and territories with comparatively lower poverty figures included Negeri Sembilan at 29,591, Melaka at 25,647, Kuala Lumpur at 17,885, Labuan at 7,786, and Putrajaya with just 75 individuals. These lower numbers reflect stronger employment opportunities, higher average incomes, and better access to social infrastructure in urban centers.
No Malaysians Classified as Hardcore Poor
Datuk Mustapha emphasized that no Malaysians were categorized as living in hardcore poverty. Poverty classification is determined based on household per capita income using a formula provided by the Economy Ministry, while hardcore poverty is assessed against the Poverty Line Income, which is periodically revised to reflect changes in cost of living, inflation, food prices, and location-specific expenses.
Government Commitment to Dynamic Poverty Measurement
Responding to a parliamentary question from Jeli MP Zahari Kechik on January 29, Datuk Mustapha stressed that poverty measurement cannot remain static. The government continues to review its methodologies and initiatives under the national poverty databank eKasih to ensure policies remain relevant and effective in addressing evolving economic realities.
Malaysia’s poverty data reveals a complex national picture where economic growth coexists with significant regional inequality. For Indonesians and Singaporeans observing Malaysia’s development trajectory, these figures underscore the importance of inclusive growth strategies, adaptive policy frameworks, and cross-border learning in tackling poverty across Southeast Asia.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , The Star (2026)
Keywords: Malaysia Poverty Data, Household Income Survey, Sabah Poverty, Federal Assistance Programs
