KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) reported that the labour force grew by 0.3 per cent reaching a total of 16.96 million people in the first quarter of 2024 (1Q24).

Some 50,600 individuals were added. The labour force participation rate (LFPR) also rose by 0.1 percentage points, reaching 70.2 per cent in 1Q24, compared to 70.1 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2023.

At the national level, the LFPR increased to 70.2 per cent in 1Q24.

Ten states recorded increases in the LFPR, indicating more labour participation in the economy.

"The highest LFPR was posted by Selangor (76.3 per cent, followed by W.P. Kuala Lumpur (74.1 per cent), Pulau Pinang (73.4 per cent), W.P. Putrajaya (72.9 per cent) and Johor (71.3 per cent)," the DoSM said.

Meanwhile, the number of employed persons in March continued its upward trend, marking a month-on-month increase of 0.1 per cent or 24,300 persons to 16.53 million persons, as against 16.51 million persons recorded in February 2024.

The DoSM said during the month, the employment-to-population ratio, remained at 67.9 per cent as in February 2024.

"In terms of the economic sector, the services sector continued to record a positive trend in the number of employed persons, particularly in the wholesale & retail trade; food & beverage services; and information & communication activities.

"Likewise, the number of employed persons in the manufacturing, construction, mining & quarrying and agriculture sectors was also on an increasing trend in March 2024," it said.

Meanwhile, the number of unemployed persons in March 2024 changed little to 566,600 persons, with a slight decline of 0.1 per cent  versus February.

The unemployment rate during the month remained at 3.3 per cent as in the previous month.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/05/1048788/labour-force-grew-03pc-first-quarter-year