KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 – Malaysia recorded 5,900 job losses in March, with Selangor and Kuala Lumpur accounting for the largest share of retrenchments, according to data cited by Hong Leong Investment Bank.
Selangor made up 29.3% of total losses, followed by Kuala Lumpur at 25.6%, reflecting the impact on the country’s key economic hubs.
The figure marks a 21.3% decline from February’s 7,500 layoffs, though sectors such as manufacturing, wholesale and retail, and information and communication remain under pressure.
Despite the layoffs, Malaysia’s labour market showed resilience, with job vacancies rising to 107,000 and the unemployment rate holding steady at 2.9%.
Employment also saw a slight increase, supported by hiring in most sectors. However, export-driven industries—particularly manufacturing—remain vulnerable to global uncertainties.
With states like Penang and Johor also at risk from external economic shifts.
