As of 2024, the top 1% in Malaysia earned 13.00% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 19.21%. Malaysia’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 20.13%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Malaysia in 2024
In 2024, income in Malaysia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 13.00% of total national income, which is slightly lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 19.21% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Malaysia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 13.00% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 36.53% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 19.21% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Malaysia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Malaysia’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 20.13% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 7.13 percentage points to 13.00%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Malaysia has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 47.48% while the bottom 50% received 13.83%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 36.53% and 19.21% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 20.13% | 47.48% | 13.83% | 33.65 pp |
| 1986 | 19.47% | 46.74% | 14.14% | 32.60 pp |
| 1992 | 19.18% | 46.48% | 13.96% | 32.52 pp |
| 1998 | 19.64% | 46.89% | 13.82% | 33.07 pp |
| 2004 | 16.91% | 44.99% | 14.34% | 30.65 pp |
| 2010 | 17.52% | 43.90% | 14.86% | 29.04 pp |
| 2016 | 11.80% | 35.64% | 19.14% | 16.50 pp |
| 2022 | 13.00% | 36.53% | 19.21% | 17.32 pp |
How Malaysia Compares Globally
Malaysia vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Malaysia’s top 1% income share of 13.00% is notably lower than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Malaysia receives 19.21% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Malaysia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Malaysia ranks 131st out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Malaysia ranks 29th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Malaysia include Ireland's wealth gap, Senegal's wealth gap, Maldives's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Malaysia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Malaysia earned 13.00% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Malaysia?
Income inequality in Malaysia has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 20.13% in 1980 to 13.00% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Malaysia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Malaysia received 19.21% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 36.53%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.