Malaysia Cities by Population 2024

Malaysia is the world's 67th largest country by area, and a country of this size has a population to match. As one of the most populated countries in the world, Malaysia has many major cities that add to these numbers. Its largest city, Kota Bharu, has a population of 1.459 million as of 2016. However, its second largest city, Kuala Lumpur, doesn't fall far behind, boasting a population of 1.453 million. While these are the only two cities in the country to have surpassed the one million person milestone, there are other major cities that have contributed to its overall population. The country has over 30 cities that have a minimum population of 100,000, while an additional 111 cities have populations exceeding 10,000 and adding to the overall population size of this country.

There are also a number of residents that don't reside within the urbanized cities of Malaysia but instead, live in its rural areas. In fact, 25% of the total population lives in rural areas, according to data from 2015. However, looking at numbers from past decades show just how much the cities of Malaysia are growing, as 73% of the country lived in rural areas in 1960. Many of Malaysia's major cities boast mosques, former and current palances and royal buildings that preserve the country's history, distinct cuisine that can be sampled throughout its restaurants and cafes, shopping malls, natural scenery and a variety of landmarks and tourist destinations that have led to the development and expansion of its cities, and with it, the increase in urban population.