The Malaysia Happiness Index 2024 recorded an overall score of 7.6, placing Malaysians in the happy category, said the statistics department.
In a statement, it said the 2024 index was based on a Malaysia Happiness Survey, which measures happiness across four dimensions: physical, social, emotional and spiritual.
The index comprised 94 indicators grouped into 13 components, while the report covered both state and administrative district levels, enabling more targeted and locally grounded assessments.
Terengganu (8.64) topped the index among the states, followed by Johor (8.08) and Negeri Sembilan (8.01), with all three states classified as very happy.
A total of 36 districts were also classified as very happy with scores of 8.02 to 9.83, with Kluang recording the highest score at 9.83, followed by Raub (9.52) and Mersing (9.50).
There was a small disparity in happiness scores between urban (7.61) and rural areas (7.56), indicating similar levels of well-being.
Chief statistician Uzir Mahidin said the micro-level index findings marked a major leap forward for the nation’s social statistics system, enabling policymakers to better understand citizens’ realities and design more precise interventions.
“Findings show that the components of religion and spirituality (8.69) and family (8.64) are the strongest contributors to national happiness.
“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 to 19 age group (7.79) emerged as the happiest cohort,” he said.
