Malaysia: crime and justice

What is the crime rate in Malaysia?

Malaysia's crime index recorded 58,255 cases in 2024, 11.1% more than the 52,444 in 2023, according to DOSM's Crime Statistics, Malaysia, 2025. Property crime rose 12.4% to 47,188 cases and violent crime 5.9% to 11,067 cases.

The crime index covers selected violent and property offences reported to the police; it does not include all crime. Changes in reporting affect the figures as well as changes in how much crime occurs. DOSM's release page lists the next edition, covering 2025, for 16 October 2026.

Official sources: DOSM: Crime statistics, Malaysia, 2025

How many murders are there in Malaysia?

Malaysia recorded 237 intentional homicides in 2024, 9.5% fewer than a year earlier, according to DOSM's crime statistics. The World Bank puts the intentional homicide rate at 0.73 per 100,000 people in 2023, using UN Office on Drugs and Crime data.

DOSM classifies offences using the International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes, which makes the count comparable with other countries. Non-intentional homicides remained at two cases. Small numbers mean the rate can move noticeably from year to year.

Official sources: DOSM: Crime statistics, Malaysia, 2025 · World Bank: Intentional homicides, Malaysia

How many people are in prison in Malaysia?

The number of convicted prisoners in Malaysia rose 28.4% to 128,916 in 2024, according to the correctional statistics in DOSM's Crime Statistics, Malaysia, 2025. Men made up 90.9% and women 9.1%.

The figure is from the correctional statistics that DOSM compiles. The Malaysian Prison Department runs the prisons and publishes information on its facilities and programmes.

Official sources: DOSM: Crime statistics, Malaysia, 2025 · Malaysian Prison Department

What is the homicide rate in Malaysia?

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime puts the intentional homicide rate in Malaysia at 0.7 per 100,000 in 2023. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.7 per 100,000 (2022) to 2.4 per 100,000 (2007). East Asia & Pacific median: 0.9 per 100,000; Malaysia is 6th highest of 9. Worldwide: 65th of 79.

How many people have died in armed conflict in Malaysia?

1: that is battle-related deaths in Malaysia for 2017, according to the Uppsala Conflict Data Program. Of 35 countries with 2017 data, 34th highest.