PUTRAJAYA, Sept 12 — The Malaysia Happiness Index (MHI) 2024 recorded an overall score of 7.60, placing Malaysians in the happy category, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
In a statement today, DOSM said the outcome marks a significant milestone in assessing national social well-being, in line with Malaysia’s inclusive, people-driven and evidence-based development aspirations.
The MHI 2024 is based on the Malaysia Happiness Survey, which measures happiness across four dimensions: physical, social, emotional and spiritual.
The index comprises 94 indicators grouped into 13 components, making it one of the most comprehensive social statistics tools for evaluating the quality of life.
For the first time, the report has been published at both state and administrative district levels, enabling more targeted and locally grounded assessments.
Sixteen state-level reports were produced, with Terengganu (8.64), Johor (8.08) and Negeri Sembilan (8.01) classified as very happy.
A total of 36 districts were also classified as very happy with index scores ranging from 8.02 to 9.83, with Kluang recording the highest score at 9.83, followed by Raub (9.52) and Mersing (9.50).
Meanwhile, happiness scores in urban (7.61) and rural areas (7.56) show a remarkably small disparity, indicating similar levels of well-being.
Chief Statistician of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said the micro-level MHI publication marks a major leap forward for the nation’s social statistics system, emphasising that it will enable policymakers to better understand citizens’ lived realities and design more precisely targeted interventions.
“Findings show that the Religion and Spiritual (8.69) and Family (8.64) components are the strongest contributors to national happiness.
“Meanwhile, 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. — Bernama
