KUALA LUMPUR (March 11): The Malaysian unemployment rate remained steady in January, amid an improving labour market, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

In the latest Labour Force Survey released on Tuesday, the unemployment rate stood at 3.1%, representing 533,800 individuals. 

Chief statistician Datuk Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the country's labour market was in an upward trend in January, reflecting an ongoing improvement in the nation's economic conditions, despite some challenges in trade and inflation. 

The labour force improved further, growing by 0.3% month-on-month to 17.22 million persons, according to the survey.

The chief statistician said this positive trend was driven by an increase in employment, while the number of unemployed persons continued to decline, with the labour force participation rate remaining at 70.6% as in the previous month. 

Meanwhile, employment growth was observed across key economic sectors, with the services sector demonstrating notable growth, particularly within accommodation and food and beverage services, wholesale and retail trade, and human health and social work activities.  

Positive employment trends were also evident in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and mining and quarrying. 

Youth unemployment saw a slight decrease for ages between 15 and 24, and remained stable for ages between 15 and 30. 

The survey noted that the youth unemployment rate, specifically for those aged 15 to 24, decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 10.3%, representing 299,300 individuals.  

Whereas, for youths aged 15 to 30, the unemployment rate stayed at 6.3%, with 402,400 persons unemployed. 

The number of individuals outside the labour force marginally declined by 0.3%, with housework/family and schooling/training remaining the primary reasons for non-participation. 

The survey showed that housework or family responsibilities accounted for 43.6% of non-particication, followed by schooling or training at 41.8%.  

Malaysia’s resilient economic position had a positive impact on the country's labour market, the DOSM's statement read. 

This situation is supported by strong domestic demand, government initiatives, increased tourism activities, and ongoing investment activities in infrastructure projects and key sectors.

In line with the country's growing economic performance and strong growth in major sectors of the country's economy, the nation’s labour market is foreseen to remain in a stable growth momentum with increasing employment, while unemployment is declining, according to the statement.