The jobless rate in Malaysia stood at 4.8% in November 2020, an increase of 1.6% when compared to the same period last year, according to data from Statistics Malaysia. When compared to October 2020, the unemployment rate increased by 0.1%.

The number of unemployed persons totalled 764,400 persons in November 2020. At the same time, the number of employed persons totalled 15.20 million persons, down 0.8% when compared to the previous year and down 0.1% compared to October 2020. 

By economic sector, employed persons in services continued to increase mainly in wholesale & retail trade; communication & information, human health & social work and education activities. However, the employment in tourism related industry such as accommodation and food & beverages; transports & storage; and arts, entertainment & recreational activities still seemed to be adversely affected because of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, employment in the agriculture and mining & quarrying sectors remained in the negative trend since August 2020, while manufacturing and construction sectors posted an increase month-on-month.

Malaysia’s labour force participation rate stood at 68.4% in November 2020, down 0.4% compared to the same period last year and down 0.1% compared to October 2020. During the month, the labour force changed little over the month with an additional of 5,200 persons to total 15.96 million persons (October 2020: 15.96 million persons).

The third wave of the pandemic was prolonged in November 2020 and the Conditional Movement Control Order had been implemented in phases to curb a drastic spike of Covid-19 to balance between healthcare system and economic requirements.

Statistics Malaysia stated that overall, with the continuous uncertainty of economic and health situation worldwide as well as in the country, it is expecting softer labour demand may continue in December 2020. Meanwhile, the labour supply will remain competitive in this challenging situation.