the big picture

Malaysia's economy, in numbers

Malaysia's economy is worth about RM1.74 trillion a year and grew 5.4% in early 2026, driven by services and a world-class electronics manufacturing base. The federal government collects around RM315 billion a year and spends roughly RM407 billion, running a deficit it fills by borrowing. Here's the whole picture, every figure traced back to its official source.

5.4%
GDP growth, Q1 2026
RM1.74tn
Size of the economy (real)
RM315bn
Government revenue, 2023
RM149bn
Exports in a month
~60%
of GDP is services
The big picture
EconomyIs Malaysia's economy growing?Yes. GDP grew 5.4% in early 2026, and services now run the show. TradeWhat does Malaysia sell to the world?Chips and machines, mostly. And it runs a big trade surplus doing it. MoneyHow do Malaysians pay?FPX moves RM1.3 billion a day. Inside Malaysia's cashless surge.
Government money
RevenueWhere does Malaysia's money come from?Companies pay the biggest share. Oil still runs through everything. GST is gone. SpendingWhere does Malaysia's money go?The federal government's RM407 billion, who gets paid, and what gets built. GuideGovernment tenders & procurementHow Malaysia buys, the thresholds, and how to bid.
Jobs, wages & prices
JobsIs Malaysia working?Unemployment and the labour force, the Covid spike and the recovery. IncomeHow much do Malaysians earn?Median and mean monthly salary, by sex, education and sector. IncomeWhere you live shapes what you earnHousehold income, poverty and the B40/M40/T20 split by state. PricesWhat's getting more expensive?Malaysia's inflation by category, where prices are rising fastest.
Work it out for yourself
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Frequently asked

How big is Malaysia's economy?

About RM1.74 trillion a year in real (inflation-adjusted) terms in 2025, and roughly RM1.9 trillion in nominal terms, per DOSM. It grew 5.4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026.

What is the biggest sector of Malaysia's economy?

Services, at nearly 60% of GDP, followed by manufacturing at about 23%. Agriculture, mining and construction make up the rest.

How much does the Malaysian government collect and spend?

It collected about RM315 billion in revenue in 2023 and spends roughly RM407 billion a year, so it runs a deficit funded by borrowing.

Is Malaysia a high-income country?

Malaysia is an upper-middle-income economy that has been approaching the World Bank's high-income threshold, dominated by services and a strong electronics manufacturing and export base.