By Chris Ooi · Last updated 21 Oct 2026
TL;DR
- Malaysia recorded 396,175 live births in 2025, down 4.5%. The fertility rate fell to 1.5 children per woman.[1]
- 190,304 marriages were registered in 2024, up 0.9%. Non-Muslim marriages rose 8.8%.[4]
- Malaysia has 34.4 million people in 2026, and 8.4% are aged 65 or over.[5]
- Households spent RM5,566 a month on average in 2024. KL and Selangor were well above that.[6]
- Retail trade sales grew 6.5% year on year in August 2026.[7]
- Malaysian farms produced about 355 million stems, pots and plants in 2024, nearly half of them in Johor.[9]
This report brings together the latest official statistics on the moments Malaysians buy gifts for: births, weddings, birthdays of an ageing population, and the festive calendar. Each figure links to its source. Where official data doesn't exist, we say so instead of guessing. Each section ends with practical gifting advice.
How many babies are born in Malaysia each year?
DOSM counted 396,175 live births in 2025, down 4.5% (18,743 fewer) from 414,918 in 2024.[1] That works out to roughly 1,085 babies a day.[2]
This continues a long decline. Births in 2024 were already the lowest since 1980, down 9.0% on 2023.[3] The crude birth rate fell from 12.2 to 11.6 births per 1,000 people in 2025.[1]
Live births, Malaysia. Source: DOSM[1][3]
What it means for gifting: fewer babies means each one gets more attention from grandparents, aunts, uncles and colleagues. Newborn gifts are increasingly a group purchase, so a complete baby gift set often works better than a single item.
Which communities and states have the most births?
Malay babies accounted for 65.7% of live births in 2024. Other Bumiputera made up 12.5%, Chinese 10.8% and Indians 4.3%.[3]
| Ethnic group | Share of live births, 2024 | Total fertility rate, 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Malay | 65.7% | 1.9 |
| Other Bumiputera | 12.5% | 1.5 |
| Chinese | 10.8% | 0.7 |
| Indians | 4.3% | 1.1 |
Sources: DOSM[3][1]. Birth shares are for 2024, the latest year DOSM published by ethnicity in its release text. The shares don't add to 100% because births to non-citizens and other groups are not shown.
By state, Terengganu had the highest total fertility rate in 2025 at 2.5 children per woman, followed by Kelantan (2.3) and Pahang (1.8). Pulau Pinang had the lowest at 1.1.[1] Terengganu also had the highest crude birth rate, at 18.7 births per 1,000 people. Pulau Pinang had the lowest, at 9.3.[2]
| State | Total fertility rate, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Terengganu | 2.5 |
| Kelantan | 2.3 |
| Pahang | 1.8 |
| Malaysia | 1.5 |
| Pulau Pinang | 1.1 |
Source: DOSM[1]. DOSM's release text names only these states; the full state table is in its data download.
What it means for gifting: full moon (a baby's first month) and aqiqah celebrations are common gifting moments. Our full moon gift etiquette guide covers what to give and when. For clothing gifts, size up: see our newborn clothes size guide.
How many couples get married in Malaysia?
Malaysia registered 190,304 marriages in 2024, up 0.9% from 188,614 in 2023. The crude marriage rate held at 5.6 per 1,000 people.[4]
Muslim marriages accounted for 72.3% of the total, but fell 1.8% to 137,595. Non-Muslim marriages rose 8.8% to 52,709.[4]
| Marriages | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| All marriages | 188,614 | 190,304 | +0.9% |
| Muslim | 140,176 | 137,595 | −1.8% |
| Non-Muslim | 48,438 | 52,709 | +8.8% |
Source: DOSM, Marriage, Divorce and Rujuk Statistics 2025[4]
The biggest rises in non-Muslim marriages were in Johor (+1,029, 14.7%), Selangor (+751, 6.9%) and Pulau Pinang (+646, 19.3%).[4] The median age at marriage was 29 for grooms and 27 for brides.[4]
DOSM doesn't publish marriages by month in its release, so we can't say which months are busiest for weddings. Its next marriage release is due on 19 November 2026.
What it means for gifting: Penang's 19.3% rise in non-Muslim marriages makes it one of the fastest-growing wedding markets. Same-day Penang florists and Kuala Lumpur florists cover the two biggest urban wedding markets after Johor.
How is Malaysia's population changing?
Malaysia's population is estimated at 34.4 million in 2026, up 0.5% from 34.2 million in 2025. Citizens number 31.0 million.[5]
The country is ageing. People aged 65 and over rose from 8.0% to 8.4% of the population, while children aged 0–14 fell from 21.6% to 21.2%. The median age rose to 31.7 years.[5]
Population by age group, Malaysia, 2026. Source: DOSM[5]
What it means for gifting: as more Malaysians reach 65, gifts for parents and grandparents grow in importance. Think birthdays, get-well wishes and festive visits. Practical, comfortable gifts and long-lasting flowers such as orchids suit older recipients well.
How much do Malaysian households spend each month?
Mean monthly household consumption spending rose from RM5,150 in 2022 to RM5,566 in 2024.[6] Four groups make up 67.2% of spending: housing and utilities (23.5%), restaurants and accommodation (17.0%), food and beverages (15.7%) and transport (11.0%).[6]
Mean monthly household consumption spending, 2024 (RM). Only the states DOSM reports above the national mean are shown. Source: DOSM[6]
Johor (5.2%) and Pulau Pinang (4.7%) had the fastest annual growth in household spending.[6]
What it means for gifting: spending power is concentrated in the Klang Valley, but Penang and Johor are growing fastest. Order from a florist in the recipient's own city. A local delivery arrives fresher and sooner than one shipped from another state.
Is retail spending in Malaysia still growing?
Yes. DOSM reports retail trade sales grew 6.5% year on year in August 2026. Total wholesale and retail trade reached RM173.0 billion, up 10.5%.[7]
In volume terms, which strips out price changes, retail trade grew 3.8% year on year.[7]
We found no official series for festive-season gift spending, and no Bank Negara figure on gift spending, so we don't quote one.
When are Malaysia's festive holidays in 2027?
The Prime Minister's Department has published the 2027 federal public holidays. Dates marked * may still change.[8]
| Holiday | Date (2027) | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese New Year | 6–7 February | Sat–Sun |
| Hari Raya Puasa* | 10–11 March | Wed–Thu |
| Hari Raya Qurban* | 17–18 May | Mon–Tue |
| Wesak Day | 20 May | Thu |
| Awal Muharam | 6 June | Sun |
| National Day | 31 August | Tue |
| Malaysia Day | 16 September | Thu |
| Deepavali* | 28 October | Thu |
| Christmas | 25 December | Sat |
Source: BKPP, Prime Minister's Department[8]. The second day of Hari Raya Qurban is not a holiday in every state. State holidays such as Thaipusam (22 Jan), Kaamatan (30–31 May) and Gawai (1–2 June) also apply where gazetted.
What it means for gifting: Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa fall only five weeks apart in 2027. Couriers and florists are busiest in the week before each. Order early: see CNY gifts, Deepavali gifts, Christmas gifts and our Christmas delivery dates. For client and staff gifts, plan corporate gifts at least a few weeks ahead.
Where are Malaysia's flowers grown?
The Department of Agriculture reports 2,585 hectares of flower planting in 2024. Production was 355.5 million cut stems, pots and plants, with a farm-gate value of RM264.0 million.[9]
| State | Planted area, 2024 (ha) | Production, 2024 (stems/pots/plants) |
|---|---|---|
| Johor | 1,452 | 169.6 million |
| Pahang | 400 | 98.6 million |
| Selangor | 275 | 46.6 million |
| Perak | 150 | 24.7 million |
| Sabah | 63 | 6.2 million |
| Pulau Pinang | 4 | 0.08 million |
| Malaysia | 2,585 | 355.5 million |
Source: Department of Agriculture Malaysia, Tables F1 and F3[9]. Production value is at farm-gate prices.
Johor alone grew 48% of Malaysia's flower output in 2024. Pahang, home of the Cameron Highlands, produced another 28%.[9] The department estimates production of 366.3 million in 2025, worth RM271.6 million. That figure is a projection, not a final count.[9]
Value of flower production, Malaysia (RM '000, farm-gate). Source: Department of Agriculture[9]
What it means for gifting: Penang has only about 4 hectares of flower planting, so most of the flowers sold there are likely grown in other states. That is a good reason to order early for big dates. The Klang Valley sits closer to the main growing areas in Selangor and Pahang.
How big is Malaysia's flower market?
Private research firms put a commercial value on the wider market, but their definitions differ. Treat these as estimates, not official statistics.
| Estimate | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Floriculture market, Mordor Intelligence | USD 1.13 billion |
| Flower and ornamental plants, 6Wresearch | USD 338 million |
Sources: Mordor Intelligence[10] and 6Wresearch[11] (commercial estimates)
Mordor Intelligence estimates that orchids held 42.1% of the market in 2025.[10] Browse flower delivery across Malaysia.
Frequently asked questions
How many babies were born in Malaysia in 2025?
DOSM recorded 396,175 live births in 2025, 4.5% fewer than the 414,918 in 2024. That is about 1,085 babies a day.
How many marriages are registered in Malaysia each year?
DOSM recorded 190,304 marriages in 2024, up 0.9% on 2023. Muslim marriages made up 72.3% of the total, and non-Muslim marriages rose 8.8%.
When are the main festive holidays in Malaysia in 2027?
Per the Prime Minister's Department: Chinese New Year 6–7 Feb, Hari Raya Puasa 10–11 Mar, Hari Raya Qurban 17 May, Wesak 20 May, Deepavali 28 Oct and Christmas 25 Dec. Dates marked as subject to change can still move.
Which state grows the most flowers in Malaysia?
Johor. In 2024 it had 1,452 of Malaysia's 2,585 hectares of flower planting and produced about 170 million of the 355 million stems, pots and plants, according to the Department of Agriculture.
How much do Malaysian households spend each month?
The mean monthly household consumption spending was RM5,566 in 2024, according to DOSM. Putrajaya (RM9,186), Kuala Lumpur (RM8,178) and Selangor (RM7,266) were the highest.
Key stats for journalists
- "Malaysia recorded 396,175 live births in 2025, 4.5% fewer than in 2024." (DOSM)[1]
- "Malaysia's total fertility rate fell to 1.5 children per woman in 2025." (DOSM)[1]
- "Malaysia registered 190,304 marriages in 2024; non-Muslim marriages rose 8.8%." (DOSM)[4]
- "Non-Muslim marriages in Pulau Pinang rose 19.3% in 2024." (DOSM)[4]
- "8.4% of Malaysians are aged 65 or over in 2026, up from 8.0%." (DOSM)[5]
- "Mean monthly household spending was RM5,566 in 2024; Kuala Lumpur was RM8,178." (DOSM)[6]
- "Retail trade sales grew 6.5% year on year in August 2026." (DOSM)[7]
- "Johor produced 48% of Malaysia's flowers in 2024." (Department of Agriculture)[9]
Compiled by Gifthub.my. Please cite the original source and link to this page.
Methodology
This report uses published public data only. Official figures come from DOSM, the Prime Minister's Department and the Department of Agriculture, and are quoted as published. The 48% and 28% flower production shares are our own calculations from the Department of Agriculture table. Market sizes from Mordor Intelligence and 6Wresearch are commercial estimates. Every source was checked on 21 October 2026, and we will update this page when DOSM publishes new data. The gifting advice is Gifthub.my's editorial guidance, not data.
Sources
- DOSM, Vital Statistics, Malaysia, 2026 (15 Oct 2026)
- DOSM, Vital Statistics media release, 15 Oct 2026 (PDF)
- DOSM, Vital Statistics, Malaysia, 2025 (16 Oct 2025)
- DOSM, Marriage, Divorce and Rujuk Statistics, Malaysia, 2025 (PDF, 20 Nov 2025)
- DOSM, Current Population Estimates, 2026 (31 Jul 2026)
- DOSM, Household Expenditure Survey Report 2024
- DOSM, Performance of Wholesale & Retail Trade, August 2026
- Prime Minister's Department (BKPP), Federal Public Holidays 2027 (PDF)
- Department of Agriculture Malaysia, Booklet Statistik Tanaman 2025 (PDF), Tables F1 and F3
- Mordor Intelligence, Malaysia Floriculture Market (commercial estimate)
- 6Wresearch, Malaysia Flower and Ornamental Plants Market (commercial estimate)
