The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), a government agency under the Ministry of Economy, recently released the findings of the latest Malaysia Happiness Survey in the Malaysia Happiness Index (MHI) 2024, providing an in-depth analysis of the quality of life in the country.
The study found that Malaysians are in the happy category, with an overall index score of 7.60, with Terengganu being the happiest state in the nation with an index score of 8.64.
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DOSM says MHI 2024 is a major leap in Malaysia’s social statistics system
DOSM said that for the first time, the MHI report has been published in detail at both the state and administrative district levels. Moreover, MHI 2024 measures happiness across 4 key dimensions, namely physical, social, emotional and spiritual.
Chief Statistician of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, lauded the latest study as a major leap in the country’s social statistics system, asserting that it allows policymakers to better understand the lived realities of citizens and design more precise interventions.
Terengganu is the happiest state in Malaysia, Johor’s Kluang is the happiest district
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At the state level, MHI 2024 found that Terengganu is the happiest state with a score of 8.64, followed by Johor (8.08) and Negeri Sembilan (8.01).
Here’s the full ranking at the state level:
- Terengganu – 8.64
- Johor – 8.08
- Negeri Sembilan – 8.01
- Pahang – 7.92
- Melaka – 7.83
- Perak – 7.83
- Kedah – 7.68
- Perlis – 7.65
- Sabah – 7.6
- Federal Territory of Putrajaya – 7.55
- Sarawak – 7.53
- Kelantan – 7.24
- Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur – 7.22
- Selangor – 7.21
- Penang – 7.19
- Federal Territory of Labuan – 7.00
Meanwhile, at the district level, 36 districts nationwide were classified as very happy. Here are the 10 administrative districts with the highest happiness index scores:
- Kluang, Johor – 9.83
- Raub, Pahang – 9.52
- Mersing, Johor – 9.5
- Marang, Terengganu – 9.49
- Lipis, Pahang – 9.15
- Ranau, Sabah – 9.13
- Setiu, Terengganu – 9.06
- Kuala Nerus, Terengganu – 9.03
- Kunak, Sabah – 8.97
- Kemaman, Terengganu – 8.79
‘Religion and Spiritual’ contributed the most to national happiness
DOSM added that the strongest contributors to national happiness are Religion and Spiritual (8.69) and Family (8.64).
Meanwhile, Culture (6.22) recorded the lowest score, though it still falls within the happy category.
Demographically, females (7.62) reported higher happiness levels than males (7.57), and the 15 – 19 age group (7.79) emerged as the happiest cohort.
As for the happiness index score by strata, urban residents (7.61) are slightly happier than those living in rural areas (7.56).
So, what do you guys think of the MHI 2024 findings? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Malaysia Ranks Second in Asia for Work-Life Balance, Just Behind Singapore
