Malaysia economic indicators show rising wages and export growth

Malaysia is experiencing several positive economic developments across its labor market, exports, and regional state enterprises. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the average monthly salary and wage for citizens rose 4.1 percent to RM3,803 in 2025, while the median income increased by 5.3 percent to RM2,940. The services sector remains the largest employer, accounting for 71.5 percent of wage earners.

In the trade sector, MATRADE reported that Malaysian exports surged 31.2 percent year-on-year to RM1.356 trillion for the period of January to August 2026. This growth was driven by significant increases in markets such as Namibia, Angola, and various BRICS nations, including China and Brazil. Key growing industries include optical and scientific equipment, petroleum products, and palm oil-based oleochemicals.

At the regional level, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that Sarawak’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are projected to generate an additional RM9.62 billion in revenue by 2030 under a transformation programme. This initiative aims to improve governance and financial performance across 32 statutory bodies and government-linked companies, potentially yielding RM1.6 billion in additional adjusted profit after tax.