Foreign Worker Numbers Down 13% in 2025 — Key Industries See Major Shifts
According to the latest report from New Straits Times, Malaysia recorded 2,132,578 active foreign workers as of 15 October 2025 — a 13% decrease from 2,452,010 workers during the same period last year.
The breakdown across major sectors shows:
- Manufacturing: 622,388
- Construction: 589,684
- Services: 390,607
- Plantation: 263,131
- Agriculture: 158,628
- Domestic helpers: 107,375
- Mining & Quarrying: 765
This decline reflects the government’s ongoing initiative to reduce reliance on foreign labour. Under the 12th and 13th Malaysia Plans, the foreign worker ratio must not exceed 15% of the national workforce, with future targets aiming for 10% by 2030 and 5% by 2035.
The continued quota freeze (since March 2023), upcoming Multi-Tier Levy (2026), and expansion of TVET training signal a long-term structural shift in Malaysia’s labour market.
Helpmate Solutions monitors industry shifts and labour-related policy developments to keep stakeholders informed of changes that may affect manpower planning and sector demands.