Sarawak GDP per capita hits RM73,757, tops national average in 2025

An aerial view of Kuching Waterfront at night. Photo: STB

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 1: Sarawak recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of RM73,757 in 2025, exceeding the national average of RM59,167, underscoring its strong economic standing among Malaysia’s states and federal territories, according to the latest data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

At the federal level, GDP per capita disparities remained significant, with W.P. Kuala Lumpur leading at RM144,898, followed by W.P. Putrajaya (RM126,359), W.P. Labuan (RM88,764), Pulau Pinang (RM80,584) and Selangor (RM70,362), in which all exceeded the national average.

The figures were published today in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by State, 2025 report by DOSM, which provides a comprehensive breakdown of state-level economic performance following the national GDP release on May 15, 2026.

The report showed that Malaysia’s economy expanded by 5.2 per cent in 2025, maintaining the same growth rate as the previous year and reaching RM1.74 trillion in value added.

DOSM reported that all states recorded positive growth in 2025, reflecting a broadly resilient economic environment despite global uncertainties.

Growth was supported by expansion across all major sectors, with Services remaining the largest contributor at 59.5 per cent of GDP, followed by Manufacturing, Agriculture, Mining and Quarrying, and Construction, with the latter continuing as the fastest-growing sector at 12.2 per cent.

Chief Statistician Dato’ Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said Johor led state economic growth at 8.0 per cent, followed by Pulau Pinang at 7.3 per cent and Selangor at 6.3 per cent, with several key industrial states continuing to outperform national growth.

Selangor remained Malaysia’s largest economy, contributing 26.5 per cent of national GDP, while W.P. Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Sarawak and Pulau Pinang collectively accounted for 67.9 per cent of the country’s economic output.

At the State level, Sarawak’s economic performance was driven by a 3.6 per cent expansion in GDP to RM153.5 billion.

Growth was underpinned by a strong Services sector, which rose 5.4 per cent, supported by wholesale and retail trade, food and beverage, accommodation activities, as well as utilities, transportation, storage and ICT.

The Agriculture sector also grew by 4.3 per cent, driven mainly by higher oil palm production, while Mining and Quarrying expanded by 2.7 per cent, supported by natural gas output. Manufacturing, however, recorded a marginal growth of 0.1 per cent.

Despite moderate headline growth, Sarawak’s relatively high GDP per capita highlights its strong productivity base and resource-driven economy, placing it among Malaysia’s most economically significant regions.

Across Malaysia, the Services sector continued to dominate growth with a 5.4 per cent increase, followed by Manufacturing at 4.5 per cent and Agriculture at 2.2 per cent. Mining and Quarrying recorded slower growth at 0.6 per cent, while Construction surged by 12.2 per cent, driven by infrastructure and development activity nationwide.

The report also highlighted strong performances in other states. Johor’s rapid expansion was fuelled by data centre investments and digital infrastructure growth, while Pulau Pinang maintained its position as a key electrical and electronics hub, supported by strong semiconductor demand and export growth. Selangor continued to benefit from its diversified industrial base, particularly in services, manufacturing and logistics.

DOSM said Malaysia’s economic outlook for 2026 remains positive, supported by sustained investment activity, digital economy expansion and continued demand for data centre-related development.

Early indicators, including first-quarter 2026 GDP growth of 5.4 per cent and record-high labour force participation of 70.8 per cent, suggest continued resilience despite global economic uncertainties.

However, the department cautioned that external risks, including geopolitical tensions, energy market volatility and shifting global trade policies, may influence future growth momentum. — DayakDaily