UNEMPLOYMENT was lower in September at 4.5%, a downward trend as more economic sectors open in more states with the country heading towards Covid-19 endemicity.

The Statistics Department said employment continued to increase as more states moved into the next phases of the National Recovery Plan and as interstate travel and tourism activities resumed.

“All these positive circumstances have reinforced the labour market to regain its momentum,” said Chief Statistician Malaysia Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin in a statement today.

Unemployment in September had affected 729,600 people, a 2.6% drop from August’s 748,800 persons. In August, the unemployment rate was 4.6%.

In terms of the labour force participation rate (LFPR), September recorded 68.6%, or a 0.2% increase from August.

By economic sector, jobs were being filled mostly in the services sector, wholesale and retail trade, food and beverage and information and communication. There was also positive growth for employment in manufacturing and construction, but a drop in agriculture, mining and quarrying.

Currently, all states are in phase 4 of the recovery plan, except for Sarawak and Kelantan, which are still in phase 3. – November 9, 2021.