Study: Influencers, Politicians & Religious Leaders Among Top 5 LEAST Trusted Professions in Malaysia

Ipsos, one of the world’s largest market research companies, recently published its latest study on the trust in professions in Malaysia, revealing the most and least trusted professions among Malaysians. 

Part of a larger global survey involving 23,530 online adults under the age of 75 across 32 countries who were interviewed between 24 May and 7 June 2024, the study yielded interesting results that give an insight into the perceptions Malaysians and the global community have on various professions.

Teacher is the most trusted profession in Malaysia

For illustration purposes only

According to Ipsos, the landscape of trust in various professions remains consistent in Malaysia, with key professions such as doctors, teachers, scientists, and the armed forces consistently ranking among the top five most trusted professions.

While the top five most trusted professions remain the same, their order has slightly changed from last year. Teachers are now ranked as the most trusted profession in our country, with 59% trustworthiness among those surveyed.

In second place are doctors with 55%, followed by scientists (49%), armed forces (49%), and judges (46%).

Here’s a comparison of the top five most trusted professions in Malaysia this year compared to in 2023:

Meanwhile, police, bankers, TV news readers, lawyers and serving staff make up the top 10 most trusted professions in our country.

Here are their trustworthiness percentage among Malaysians compared to the professions global country average:

Politicians are the least trusted profession in Malaysia

At the other end of the spectrum, politicians are the least trusted profession in Malaysia, with 41% of those surveyed finding them to be untrustworthy.

Meanwhile, social media influencers are the second least trusted profession in our country (36% untrustworthiness), followed by Government ministers (35%), advertising executives (30%), and religious leaders (30%).

Here are the top 5 least trusted professions in Malaysia, which interestingly, mirrors the global consensus, though with varying percentages:

So, what do you guys think of the findings of the Ipsos study? Share your thoughts with us in the comments! 

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