The department of statistics Malaysia (DoSM) said this was on the back of a “strong labour market” which had benefitted from an increase in economic activity.

Chief Statistician Uzir Mahidin said the services sector saw an increase in growth, especially the food and beverage sector, wholesale and retail trade, as well as administration and support services.

The same period saw a similar trend in the manufacturing, construction, mining and quarrying as well as the agriculture sector.

“In February, the number of employed persons continued to rise, recording 16.19 million persons, an increase of 0.2% month-on-month compared to January’s 16.16 million persons,” Uzir said in a statement..

“On the contrary, the number of unemployed persons in February continued to be on the downward trend, with a decrease of 0.7% to 591.9 thousand persons from 596.1 thousand persons in January.”

He said the current unemployment rate was 3.5%.

Uzir foresees that growth in all sectors of the economy and the need for more workers to support high domestic demand would increase labour demand.

He predicts that the labour market’s momentum for recovery would continue in line with the expected trend of national economic growth, which would remain favourable this year.