Christmas in Malaysia: A Demographic Look at the Christian Population
MALAYSIA – As Christmas approaches, it is often a reminder of Malaysia’s cultural and religious diversity. While that is something Malaysia is famous for, this also offers an opportunity to understand the communities behind these traditions better.
This post focuses on where they are geographically concentrated (State & District) and how their population has evolved over time
Rather than exploring beliefs or practices, this analysis focuses solely on demographic patterns, using population data from DOSM to highlight spatial distribution and long-term trends. The aim is to provide context, improve understanding, and encourage appreciation of Malaysia’s multi-faith landscape.
Scope
- Source: Key Findings Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 (Department of Statistics Malaysia) [Link]
Christian Population by State (%)
East Malaysia dominates in Christian concentration. Sabah, Sarawak & Labuan record the highest proportion of Christians, reflecting longstanding historical and cultural influences in these states.
Followed by Kuala Lumpur (6.4%), Selangor (4.9%), Pulau Pinang (4.3%), Johor (3%), Perak (3.%), Melaka (2.6%), Negeri Sembilan (2.6%), Pahang (1.5%), Putrajaya (0.8%), Kedah (0.8%), Perlis (0.6%), Kelantan (0.4%) and Terengganu (0.3%)
How to read the chart:
50% of Sarawak’s population is Christian
Where Do Christians Live in Malaysia?
The chart shows the percentage of Christians in each state of Malaysia.
How to read the chart:
41.8% of Christians live in Sarawak. Followed by Sabah (28.7%), Selangor (11.7%), Kuala Lumpur (4.3%), Johor (4.1%), Perak (2.6%), Pulau Pinang (2.6%), Negeri Sembilan (1.1%), Melaka (0.9%), Pahang (0.8%), Kedah (0.6%), Labuan (0.4%), Kelantan (0.2%), Terengganu (0.1%), Perlis (0.1%) and Putrajaya (0.03%)
Where Do Christians Live in Malaysia? (By District)
How to read the chart:
6.8% of Christians live in Kuching, Sarawak. Followed by Petaling, Selangor (6%), Sibu, Sarawak (5.1%), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (5%), Kuala Lumpur (4.3%), Miri, Sarawak (4.3%), Bintulu, Sarawak (3.6%), Penampang, Sabah (2.8%), Keningau, Sabah (2.7%) and Johor Bahru (2.6%).
In short, 7 out of the top 10 districts are in East Malaysia.
Table: CHRISTIAN Population
As always, data reminds us that behind every celebration lies a community, a history, and a shared space in the Malaysian story.
Browse our new printable map of Petaling Jaya:
