Study: M’sian Citizens Have Lower Life Expectancy Than Foreigners Living in Our Country

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) recently released the latest data on the life expectancy of our country’s residents, revealing several interesting and unexpected statistics.

Indicating how long a newly born baby is expected to live, the latest statistics show that overall, the life expectancy in Malaysia has improved by 0.3 years compared to a decade ago.

Specifically, the current life expectancy is 74.8 years, while in 2013, it was 74.5 years. Seen in the regional setting, Malaysia is placed third in Southeast Asia for the highest life expectancy, behind Singapore and Thailand.

Furthermore, the statistics also revealed that women in Malaysia have a higher life expectancy than men: 4.9 more years to be exact.

As for life expectancy based on ethnicity among Malaysian citizens, the 2023 statistics revealed the following:

• Malay – 73.8 years
• Chinese – 77 years
• Indian – 71.4 years
• Other Bumiputera – 73.5 years

Moreover, when viewed concurrently by ethnicity and gender among Malaysian citizens, the data showed that Chinese women have the highest life expectancy at 80.2 years.

Interestingly, the highest life expectancy overall is actually among non-citizen residents in our country at 81.1 years. Again, female in this category has a higher life expectancy at 81.7 years, while male non-citizen residents are expected to live until 80.7 years based on the statistics.

Meanwhile, when viewed by states, the data revealed that Selangor has the highest life expectancy in the country at 78.3 years. Here are the full rankings by state:

1. Selangor – 78.1 years
2. Kuala Lumpur – 76.5 years
3. Labuan – 76.1 years
4. Putrajaya – 75.3 years
5. Sarawak – 74.9 years
6. Johor – 74.6 years
7. Penang – 74.4 years
8. Sabah – 74.1 years
9. Melaka – 73.8 years
10. Negeri Sembilan – 73.7 years
11. Perak – 73.3 years
12. Kedah – 72.7 years
13. Pahang – 72.6 years
14. Kelantan – 72 years
15. Perlis – 71.4 years
16. Terengganu – 71.2 years

Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya and Sarawak all have a higher life expectancy than the Malaysian average, while residents of the rest have lower.

So, what do you guys think of the latest statistics by DOSM? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: M’sia Ranked At 38 Over 85 Countries In The Best Countries In The World 2023 List