DOSM: Sabah’s non-citizen population edges down in 2025, still highest in Malaysia

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 8): Sabah’s non-citizen resident population experienced a marginal decrease to 1,040,200 persons in 2025, down 0.32 per cent from 1,043,600 persons in 2024, according to the International Migration Statistics 2025 released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on Dec 24, 2025.

The state continues to record the highest number of non-citizen residents nationwide, a trend consistent since 1991 when the proportion peaked at 56.5 per cent (453,470 persons).

The highest absolute number was recorded in 2018, totalling 1,158,700 persons, a level not yet regained post-pandemic.

“In 2025, the non-citizen population is estimated at 1,040,200 persons; however, this figure remains lower than the level recorded in 2018,” said the department.

The period from 2020 to 2022 saw significant changes due to Covid-19, altering population structures.

“The number of non-citizen residents in Malaysia and Sabah declined during the pandemic, registering 2.56 million persons and 0.78 million persons respectively in 2021 compared to the period prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

At the district level in 2025, Sandakan recorded the highest number of non-citizen residents in 2025 at 195,100, followed by Tawau (142,900) and Kota Kinabalu (125,400).

Kinabatangan district had the highest proportion of non-citizen residents at 72.9 per cent of its population, ahead of Kalabakan (69.3 per cent) and Kunak (53.4 per cent).

Kota Kinabalu itself saw its growth rate for non-citizens rise to 2.9 per cent in 2025, a significant shift from the 16.4 per cent increase noted in 2024.

DOSM attributed this growth to the post-pandemic reopening of the economy and education sectors, driving an inflow of foreign workers and international students.

Despite this uptick, the city’s 2025 non-citizen population (125,400) remains below its 2018 level of 144,700.

The 2025 estimates are mid-year figures (July 2024 to June 2025) based on the 2020 Malaysia Population and Housing Census using the ‘de jure’ concept, counting individuals who reside or intend to reside as usual household members for six months or more.

This methodology excludes daytime or night-time populations – such as commuters, tourists, or visitors – whose temporary presence can inflate urban area counts.