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Malaysia States by Population Ranking And Distribution

Introduction

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country divided into 13 states and 3 federal territories. Its population is distributed across the Malay Peninsula and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Although Malaysia does not officially use the term “provinces” for its primary administrative divisions, the country’s states and federal territories are commonly used for population comparisons. The 13 states are Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak. The three federal territories are Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

According to Malaysia’s 2020 Population and Housing Census, the country had a population of 32,447,385. Selangor was the most populous state, followed by Johor and Sabah. Kuala Lumpur is separately classified as a federal territory rather than a state.

Malaysia States and Territories by Population

The following table ranks Malaysia’s 13 states and 3 federal territories by their population in the 2020 Census.

Source: Department of Statistics Malaysia, Population and Housing Census 2020.

1. Selangor

Population: 6,994,423

Selangor is the most populous state in Malaysia. It had 6,994,423 residents in the 2020 Census, making it considerably more populous than every other Malaysian state.

Selangor surrounds the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and forms a major part of the country’s most important metropolitan and economic region. Large urban centres include Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Subang Jaya, Kajang and other rapidly developed areas.

The state has a highly urbanized population and is an important centre for manufacturing, services, commerce, transportation and logistics. DOSM recorded Selangor as Malaysia’s most populous state in the 2020 Census.

2. Johor

Population: 4,009,670

Johor was Malaysia’s second-most populous state in 2020, with 4,009,670 residents.

Located at the southern end of Peninsular Malaysia, Johor borders Singapore across the Johor Strait. Its strategic location has supported major urban, industrial, commercial and transportation development.

Johor Bahru is the state’s largest urban centre and one of Malaysia’s most important cities. The state also includes industrial areas, agricultural regions and extensive coastal settlements.

3. Sabah

Population: 3,418,785

Sabah had 3,418,785 residents in the 2020 Census, making it the third-most populous state.

Located in northern Borneo, Sabah is geographically much larger than most Malaysian states. Kota Kinabalu is its capital and largest major urban centre.

Sabah has a diverse economy that includes tourism, agriculture, plantations, fisheries, manufacturing and services. Its population is distributed between urban centres and numerous rural communities.

4. Perak

Population: 2,496,041

Perak recorded 2,496,041 residents in 2020.

Located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia, Perak is one of the country’s largest states by area. Ipoh is the state capital and principal urban centre.

The state has a mixture of urban settlements, agricultural areas, forested regions and historical mining communities.

5. Sarawak

Population: 2,453,677

Sarawak had 2,453,677 residents in the 2020 Census.

It is Malaysia’s largest state by land area and occupies much of the western portion of Malaysian Borneo. Kuching is the state capital and largest major urban centre.

Sarawak’s population is spread among urban areas, river systems, coastal settlements and extensive rural territories. Its economy includes energy, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing and services.

Official Sarawak statistics based on the Department of Statistics Malaysia also provide detailed population data for its administrative divisions and districts.

6. Kedah

Population: 2,131,427

Kedah recorded 2,131,427 residents in 2020.

Located in northern Peninsular Malaysia, Kedah is historically important for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. Alor Setar is the state capital and an important administrative and commercial centre.

Kedah also contains the popular island destination of Langkawi.

7. Kuala Lumpur

Population: 1,982,112

Kuala Lumpur had 1,982,112 residents in the 2020 Census.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and one of Southeast Asia’s major metropolitan centres. It is not a state; it is a federal territory administered separately from the surrounding state of Selangor.

The territory covers a relatively small area but has a very high population density. It is an important centre for government, finance, business, education, tourism and international commerce.

8. Kelantan

Population: 1,792,501

Kelantan had 1,792,501 residents in 2020.

Located in northeastern Peninsular Malaysia along the Thai border, Kelantan has a distinctive cultural identity and a large rural population.

Kota Bharu is the state capital and largest urban centre. Agriculture, commerce, small industries and services play important roles in the state’s economy.

9. Penang

Population: 1,740,405

Penang recorded 1,740,405 residents in the 2020 Census.

Penang is one of Malaysia’s most densely populated and economically developed areas. The state consists of Penang Island and a mainland portion known as Seberang Perai.

George Town is the state capital and a major historical, commercial and tourism centre. Penang is also an important manufacturing and technology hub.

10. Pahang

Population: 1,591,295

Pahang had 1,591,295 residents in 2020.

It is the largest state on Peninsular Malaysia by land area. Much of its territory consists of forests, mountains and agricultural land.

Kuantan is the state capital and largest major urban centre. Pahang is important for agriculture, tourism, forestry, mining and manufacturing.

11. Negeri Sembilan

Population: 1,199,974

Negeri Sembilan recorded 1,199,974 residents in the 2020 Census.

The state is located south of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and has strong connections with the Greater Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley economic region.

Seremban is the state capital and principal urban centre. Negeri Sembilan is also known for its distinctive Minangkabau-influenced cultural traditions and architecture.

12. Terengganu

Population: 1,149,440

Terengganu had 1,149,440 residents in 2020.

Located on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu faces the South China Sea.

Kuala Terengganu is the state capital. The state’s economy includes petroleum and gas-related activities, fisheries, agriculture, tourism and services.

13. Malacca

Population: 998,428

Malacca, also known as Melaka, recorded 998,428 residents in the 2020 Census.

It is one of Malaysia’s smallest states by area and is located on the southwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Malacca City is the state capital and a major historical and tourism destination. The state is particularly known for its multicultural heritage and historic role in maritime trade.

14. Perlis

Population: 284,885

Perlis is Malaysia’s smallest state by population, with 284,885 residents in 2020.

It is located at the northern tip of Peninsular Malaysia and borders Thailand.

Kangar is the state capital. Compared with Malaysia’s larger states, Perlis has a smaller population and a more compact geographical area.

15. Putrajaya

Population: 109,202

Putrajaya had 109,202 residents in 2020.

Putrajaya is a federal territory rather than a state and serves as Malaysia’s federal administrative capital.

The planned city contains major government ministries, administrative buildings, diplomatic facilities and modern urban infrastructure.

Its relatively small population reflects its specialized role as a government and administrative centre.

16. Labuan

Population: 95,120

Labuan was the least populous of Malaysia’s 13 states and 3 federal territories in the 2020 Census, with 95,120 residents.

Labuan is an island federal territory off the coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. It is known for its role as an international business and financial centre as well as for tourism and maritime activities.

Malaysia’s Most Populous States

The five most populous states in the 2020 Census were:

1. Selangor — 6,994,423
2. Johor — 4,009,670
3. Sabah — 3,418,785
4. Perak — 2,496,041
5. Sarawak — 2,453,677

These five states together contained more than half of Malaysia’s total 2020 population.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia also identifies Selangor, Johor, Sabah, Perak and Sarawak among the country’s five largest population states in more recent population estimates, although those estimates are not the same dataset as the 2020 Census.

Malaysia’s Smallest States and Territories by Population

The five smallest population totals in the 2020 Census were:

1. Labuan — 95,120
2. Putrajaya — 109,202
3. Perlis — 284,885
4. Malacca — 998,428
5. Terengganu — 1,149,440

Labuan and Putrajaya are both federal territories rather than states.

Malaysia States by Population: 2020 Census

Malaysia’s 2020 Census recorded a total population of 32,447,385. DOSM reports that Malaysia’s population increased from 27.5 million in 2010 to 32.4 million in 2020, with the annual population growth rate slowing during the decade.

States and Federal Territories of Malaysia

States of Malaysia

Malaysia has 13 states:

• Johor
• Kedah
• Kelantan
• Malacca
• Negeri Sembilan
• Pahang
• Penang
• Perak
• Perlis
• Selangor
• Sabah
• Sarawak
• Terengganu

Federal Territories of Malaysia

Malaysia has three federal territories:

• Kuala Lumpur
• Putrajaya
• Labuan

This distinction is important when publishing population rankings because Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan are not states, although they are commonly included alongside the states in national administrative and demographic tables.

Population Distribution Across Malaysia

Malaysia’s population is concentrated unevenly across the country.

The western side of Peninsular Malaysia contains the country’s largest urban and economic concentration. Selangor and Kuala Lumpur form the core of the Klang Valley, while Johor, Penang and other highly urbanized areas contain additional large population centres.

Sabah and Sarawak contain large territories with populations distributed across urban centres and extensive rural areas. Sarawak in particular combines a relatively large population with the country’s largest state territory.

Malaysia’s population distribution is therefore influenced by urbanization, industrial development, transportation, economic opportunities, geography and historical settlement patterns.

Malaysia Population by State: Important Facts

• Selangor is Malaysia’s most populous state.

• Johor is the second-most populous state.

• Sabah is the third-most populous state.

• Sarawak is the largest state by land area.

• Kuala Lumpur is a federal territory, not a state.

• Putrajaya is Malaysia’s federal administrative capital.

• Labuan is a federal territory located off the coast of Sabah.

• Perlis is Malaysia’s least populous state.

• Labuan had the smallest population among the 13 states and 3 federal territories in the 2020 Census.

• Malaysia’s total population was 32,447,385 in the 2020 Census.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many states are there in Malaysia?

Malaysia has 13 states.

How many federal territories are there in Malaysia?

Malaysia has three federal territories: Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan.

Which is the most populous state in Malaysia?

Selangor is the most populous state, with 6,994,423 residents in the 2020 Census.

Which is the second most populous state in Malaysia?

Johor is the second-most populous state, with 4,009,670 residents.

What is the population of Sabah?

Sabah had 3,418,785 residents in the 2020 Census.

What is the population of Sarawak?

Sarawak had 2,453,677 residents in the 2020 Census.

What is the population of Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur had 1,982,112 residents in the 2020 Census.

Is Kuala Lumpur a state of Malaysia?

No. Kuala Lumpur is a federal territory of Malaysia.

Is Putrajaya a state?

No. Putrajaya is a federal territory and serves as Malaysia’s federal administrative capital.

Which Malaysian state has the smallest population?

Perlis is the least populous of Malaysia’s 13 states, with 284,885 residents in the 2020 Census.

Which Malaysian territory has the smallest population?

Labuan was the least populous of Malaysia’s three federal territories, with 95,120 residents in 2020.

What was Malaysia’s population in 2020?

Malaysia’s 2020 Census recorded 32,447,385 people.

Which Malaysian state has the largest population density?

Among the states and federal territories, Kuala Lumpur has an exceptionally high population density because it combines a large urban population with a very small territory. DOSM’s 2020 data put Kuala Lumpur’s population density at more than 8,000 people per square kilometre.

Are Malaysia’s population figures updated every year?

Malaysia conducts a population census every 10 years. Between censuses, DOSM produces population estimates. The 2020 figures are census counts, while later figures are estimates based on the census and demographic methods.

Sources:

• City Population – Malaysia Cities and Population
• Department of Statistics Malaysia – Population and Housing Census 2020
• Department of Statistics Malaysia – State Population Data
• Department of Statistics Malaysia – Current Population Estimates