How many Chinese are there in Malaysia? Analysis of population structure and cultural impact
Malaysia is a multicultural country, and the Chinese, as its second largest ethnic group, play an important role in economic, cultural and social development. This article will combine the latest data to analyze the number, distribution and social impact of Chinese in Malaysia.
1. Number of Chinese Population in Malaysia
According to the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (2023), the Chinese population is approximately 6.9 million, accounting for about 23% of the total population. The following is the population proportion of the main ethnic groups in Malaysia:
| ethnic group | Population (10,000) | Proportion of total population |
|---|---|---|
| Malay | 1980 | 62% |
| Chinese | 690 | 23% |
| indian | 210 | 7% |
| Others | 120 | 8% |
2. Distribution of Chinese Population
Malaysian Chinese are mainly concentrated in urban areas, especially in several major states in West Malaysia. The following are states with a higher proportion of Chinese populations:
| State | Proportion of Chinese population | major cities |
|---|---|---|
| Penang | 42% | george town |
| Selangor | 28% | Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya |
| thunderbolt | 25% | Ipoh |
| Johor | 24% | Johor Bahru |
3. The influence of the Chinese on the Malaysian economy
The Chinese play an important role in the Malaysian economy, especially in the business and manufacturing sectors. The following is the proportion of Chinese in various industries:
| Industry | Chinese participation ratio | Representative enterprises |
|---|---|---|
| Retail and catering | 65% | Berjaya Group, OldTown White Coffee |
| Manufacturing | 40% | Arowana, Top Glove |
| real estate | 35% | SP Setia, IOI Group |
4. The inheritance of Chinese culture in Malaysia
Malaysian Chinese culture has preserved many Chinese traditions, especially in terms of language, festivals and education:
1.language: Chinese (Mandarin) and dialects (such as Hokkien, Cantonese) are widely spoken in the Chinese community, and Chinese schools (such as independent high schools) are important educational institutions.
2.festival: Traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and Dragon Boat Festival are celebrated grandly in Malaysia and have even become national holidays.
3.education: Malaysia has a complete Chinese education system, including Chinese primary schools, independent secondary schools and private universities (such as New Era University College).
5. Chinese population trends and challenges
In recent years, the proportion of the Chinese population in Malaysia has shown a downward trend. The main reasons include lower fertility rates and immigration. The following are the changes in the Chinese population in the past 10 years:
| Year | Chinese population (10,000) | Proportion of total population |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 640 | 24.5% |
| 2018 | 670 | 23.8% |
| 2023 | 690 | 23% |
Despite facing the challenge of declining population proportion, Malaysian Chinese are still an important force in national development, and their cultural influence and economic contribution cannot be ignored.
In summary, the number of Chinese in Malaysia is approximately 6.9 million, accounting for 23% of the total population, and they are mainly concentrated in urban areas in West Malaysia. The Chinese have far-reaching influence in the economic, cultural and social fields and are an important part of Malaysia's diverse society.
check the details
check the details
en
