Sarawak records lower child mortality rate than national average in 2022, Stats Dept finds

KUCHING (Oct 1): Sarawak recorded an under-five mortality rate of 7.9 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022 compared to 6.2 the previous year.

Based on data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), this rate was lower than the national average of 8.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022.

The under-five mortality rate, also known as the child mortality rate, measures the probability of death for a child between birth and five years of age per 1,000 live births.

The highest rate in 2022 was recorded in Sabah with 12.0, followed by Perlis (11.7) and Labuan (11.6).

The under-five mortality rate data was part of the population and demographic indicators from DoSM following the release of its Abridged Life Tables, Malaysia, 2022-2024 publication yesterday.

Separately, Sarawak ranked fourth nationwide for the highest life expectancy at birth by state this year.

The life expectancy for 2024 in Sarawak was recorded at 75.2 years, equalling the national average rate.

Selangor placed first with a life expectancy for 2024 of 78.0 years, followed by Labuan (77.8) and Kuala Lumpur (76.2).

In Sarawak, Samarahan District ranked first in life expectancy for 2024 at 79.9 years, followed by Bintulu (77.7) and Kuching (77.3).