Over 1.2 Million Malaysians Still Living in Poverty

PETALING JAYA – More than 1.2 million Malaysians remain trapped in poverty, according to the latest Household Income Survey data as of December 31, 2025. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, revealed that Sabah tops the list with 254,303 people, followed by Kelantan (239,850) and Terengganu (117,159).

1.2 Million Malaysians

Other states with significant numbers include Sarawak, Kedah, and Perak. Meanwhile, Putrajaya recorded the lowest figure with only 75 individuals. Encouragingly, no Malaysians fall under the hardcore poverty category. Mustapha stressed that poverty measurement is dynamic, requiring continuous review to reflect living costs and economic changes.

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