PUTRAJAYA, May 21 — The state recorded mixed socioeconomic performance in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026), with rising inflation, a stable labour market, positive business sentiment, and an increasing population growth rate.
According to the ‘State Socioeconomic Indicators: Selangor Q1 2026’ report released today by the Malaysian Statistics Department (DOSM), Selangor's Consumer Price Index rose by 1.6 per cent in March 2026, compared to 1.3 per cent in February.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said this reflects rising inflation in line with national price increases amid uncertainties in global commodity prices.
Exports in Q1 2026 declined by 12.4 per cent to RM60.2 billion compared to RM68.7 billion in Q1 2025.
"Meanwhile, imports increased by 5.0 per cent to RM88.7 billion (Q1 2025: RM84.5 billion), reflecting continued trade activity despite weaker export performance," he said in a statement.
Uzir added that Selangor also maintained a stable workforce supported by ongoing economic activity.
"The labour force stood at 4.14 million persons (Q4 2025: 4.11 million), while the labour force participation rate was 78.0 per cent (Q4 2025: 77.8 per cent).
"Employed persons increased to 4.05 million (Q4 2025: 4.03 million), while the unemployment rate improved to 2.0 per cent (Q4 2025: 2.1 per cent),” he said.
The net balance of business expectations remained positive at 9.2 per cent for January to June 2026, compared to 12.5 per cent in the previous quarter.
The manufacturing sector capacity utilisation stood at 85.1 per cent in Q1 2026, while the construction sector recorded work done worth RM10.9 billion in Q1 2026 (Q4 2025: RM11.0 billion).
Meanwhile, Selangor’s population rose to 7.44 million in Q1 2026, compared to 7.43 million in Q4 2025. Live births totalled 17,990, while deaths stood at 8,042 during the same period.
DOSM said the state socioeconomic indicators report is a rebranding of the State Pocket Stats, enhanced with selected key indicators covering economic and social statistics at the state level.
