Kuala lumpur: The socio-economic performance of several states appeared stable in the First Quarter of 2026 (ST1 2026), supported by controlled inflation, a stable labour market, positive business sentiment, and increasing population growth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the State Socio-Economic Indicators report published by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) highlighted that the Federal Territories continued to maintain resilient socio-economic performance, driven by sustainable economic activities, a stable labour market, and controlled price movements.

Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin noted that Kuala Lumpur has bolstered its position as the nation's main economic and commercial hub, with a labour force of 1.21 million people and a labour force participation rate (LFPR) of 76.0 percent, while the unemployment rate held steady at 3.4 percent. Putrajaya demonstrated stable socio-economic performance as the administrative heart of the country, supported by an active labour market and promising business prospects. Labuan's performance was backed by resilient business activities and industrial strength.

In Melaka, the state showcased stable socio-economic indicators, with a robust labour market, positive business outlook, and a rising population growth rate. The labour force was recorded at 525.4 thousand people, with a LFPR of 69.8 percent. The employment level remained at 514.7 thousand people, maintaining a low unemployment rate of two percent. Melaka's expected net trade balance improved to +3.1 percent for January to June 2026, up from -5.8 percent in the previous quarter, while the capacity utilization in the manufacturing sector stabilized at 87.7 percent. Demographically, Melaka's population rose to 1.057 million, with 2,778 live births and 1,585 deaths recorded in the period.

Kelantan's socio-economic performance was marked by controlled inflation and a stable labour market amidst cautious business sentiment. DOSM reported that Kelantan's Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased to 0.7 percent in March from 0.2 percent in February. The employed population in Kelantan rose to 710,500, compared to 708,100 in the last quarter of 2025, although the net balance of business expectations decreased to -4.4 percent from -3.9 percent previously.

Pahang maintained stable socio-economic conditions with rising inflation, a strong labour market, and positive business sentiment. The state recorded a labour force of 772,200 people with a LFPR of 65.3 percent. The population was noted at 1.69 million, alongside 4,879 live births and 2,585 deaths during the period.

Terengganu mirrored these stable conditions with positive business sentiment and a sustainable labour market. DOSM stated that the labour force stood at 509,300 people, with a LFPR of 61.3 percent. The number of employed individuals was 493,100, while the unemployment rate was 3.2 percent. The population increased slightly to 1.252 million, with 5,585 live births and 1,899 deaths.

Penang's socio-economic performance remained firm, underlined by controlled inflation, a stable labour market, and growing trade activities. Penang's export value surged by 45 percent to RM196.1 billion, with imports rising by 25.3 percent to RM100.7 billion in ST1 2026. The labour force numbered 947,800 people, with an increasing LFPR of 71.8 percent and 922,300 employed individuals. The state's net trade balance remained positive at +7.2 percent from +6.8 percent previously, while the total population increased to 1.812 million.