Southeast Asia

Population of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

08/04/2025
Population Information

The population of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia's Capital Metropolitan Area) is expected to be around 8,85 million in 2025, according to data from World Population Review.

Total population

The total population of Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley in 2025 is estimated at 8,85 million, according to World Population Review and trends from DOSM (Department of Statistics Malaysia) data.

In 2024, the population of this area is recorded at 8,80 million, up from 8,42 million in 2020. This metropolitan area includes the city of Kuala Lumpur (urban population of about 2,07 million in 2024) and surrounding areas in the Klang Valley, with an area of ​​about 2.793 km², resulting in population density about 3.167 people/km².

From 2020-2025, the population will increase by about 410.000 people, with an average growth rate of 0,9-1,2% per year, thanks to internal migration and the role of the region's economic and financial center. However, the growth rate has decreased compared to the previous period due to the low birth rate (estimated at 1,4-1,6 children/woman in 2023) and urban population control policies.

Gender structure

Specific data for the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area in 2025 has not been released, but based on national trends from the 2023 DOSM, Malaysia's gender structure is:

  • Male: 51,0% (17,59 million people in a total population of 34,49 million).
  • Female: 49,0% (16,90 million people).

The national sex ratio is 1,054 males per 1.000 females (105,4 males per 100 females). In the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area, the ratio may be similar or slightly skewed towards males due to the large number of male migrant workers in the industrial and construction sectors.

Assuming a stable ratio of 51,0% male and 49,0% female by 2025, with a total population of 8,85 million, males would account for approximately 4,51 million and females 4,34 million. This slight difference reflects the characteristics of an economic center attracting young workers.

Age structure

Malaysia's age structure in 2024, according to DOSM and Danso.info, is:

  • Under 15 years old: 15,0% (5,33 million people in a total population of 35,56 million).
  • From 15-64 years old: 77,7% (27,63 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 7,3% (2,60 million people).

In the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area, the age structure may be slightly younger than the national average due to the attraction of workers aged 15-64 from other provinces. Estimated 2025:

  • Under 15 years old: 14,5-15,0% (1,28-1,33 million people).
  • From 15-64 years old: 76-77% (6,73-6,81 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 8,0-8,5% (0,71-0,75 million people).

Malaysia’s median age is 30,5 years (2024), but it is likely to be lower in Kuala Lumpur (28-30 years) thanks to its young working population. However, the proportion of people over 65 is increasing due to high life expectancy (76,8 years) and falling birth rates, signaling a future ageing trend.

Population of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Capital city of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Population change

Historical data from DOSM and World Population Review:

  • 1980: 2,18 million people.
  • 1990: 3,08 million people.
  • 2000: 4,45 million people.
  • 2010: 6,70 million people.
  • 2020: 8,42 million people.
  • 2025: 8,85 million people (estimated).

From 1980-2020, the population of the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area grew rapidly (an average of 3-5% per year from 1980-2000, and 2-3% from 2000-2020), driven by urbanization, rural migration (especially from states such as Kelantan and Terengganu), and economic development (the Klang Valley contributes 40% of Malaysia's GDP). From 2020-2025, the growth rate will slow to 0,9-1,2% per year, due to:

  • Low birth rate (1,4-1,6 children/woman).
  • Policy to limit urban migration and issue new household registration.
  • Net migration is slightly negative (some people move to neighbouring areas such as Selangor or Johor).

Forecast

Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area population projections based on national and regional trends:

  • Short term (until 2035): The population could reach 9,5-10 million, with a growth rate of 0,5-1% per year, thanks to its role as an economic hub and the development of projects such as the Merdeka 118 Tower and the Greater KL Plan. The World Bank predicts that Malaysia will become an aging society (14% over 65) by 2044, but Kuala Lumpur could delay this trend thanks to its young workforce.
  • Long term (until 2050): The population could stabilize or decline below 9 million, due to low fertility (below 1,4 children per woman), population aging (15-20% over 65), and migration to the suburbs. This is in line with the United Nations national projection, which sees Malaysia’s population peaking at 44,3 million in 2066 and then declining.

The government is pushing pro-life policies and infrastructure development (MRT, affordable housing) to sustain growth, but pressures from cost of living and aging are major challenges.

Sources:

Malaysia Population 2024

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