• The urbanisation rate in Malaysia increased to 75.1 per cent (24.4 million) in 2020 as compared to 70.9 per cent (19.5 million) in 2010.
• The fourth National Physical Plan targets the national urbanisation rate to reach 85 per cent by 2040. Six states and 31 administrative districts have reached 85 per cent of the urbanisation rate in 2020.
• Selangor recorded the highest urban population of 6.7 million (2010: 4.9 million) or 27.5 per cent (2010: 25.1%) of the urban population in Malaysia for year 2020. Meanwhile, Sabah registered the highest rural population of 1.5 million or 19.1 per cent from the rural population.
• The urban sex ratio was 109 (2010: 105) in 2020, lower than in the rural of 112 (2010: 109).
• The composition urban population comprised of Bumiputera (62.6%), Chinese (28.6%), Indians (8.1%), Others (0.7%) and Non-citizens (7.6%). Meanwhile, the percentage of rural population showed that Bumiputera (90.4%) was more dominant, followed by Chinese (6.3%), Indians (2.4%), Others (0.9%) and Non-citizens (10.3%).
• Living quarters in 2020 stood at of 9.6 million with 7.4 million (76.6%) in urban areas and 2.2 million (23.3%) in rural areas.
• Total number of urban households in 2020 was 6.3 million (76.6%) and rural 1.9 million (23.4%).The average private rural households size in Malaysia was 4.2 persons for each  households higher than urban at 3.9 persons.
• The rural population has reached ageing status following the population aged 65 and over (old age) accounted for 7.3 per cent (2010: 6.2%), as compared to 6.6 per cent (2010: 4.6%) for urban population.

The full publication can be downloaded through eStatistik portal.

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS, MALAYSIA
23 December 2022

Contact person:

Baharudin Mohamad 
Public Relation Officer
Strategic Communication and International Division
Department of Statistics, Malaysia
Tel : +603-8885 7942
Fax : +603-8888 9248
Email : baharudin[at]dosm.gov.my