If you think living in a bustling city like Kuala Lumpur guarantees happiness, think again. The latest Malaysian Happiness Index (MHI) reveals that KL and Selangor rank among the least happy states in the country.
Photo via Discovery Terengganu
Leading the list is Terengganu, crowned as Malaysia’s happiest state with a score of 8.64 out of 10. Johor and Negeri Sembilan follow closely behind, placing them in the “very happy” category. In contrast, urban states such as Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Labuan recorded some of the lowest happiness levels.
Overall, Malaysia remains a generally happy nation, with a national average score of 7.60, which still falls within the “happy” range.
What Makes Malaysians Happy?
The index measures happiness based on four main dimensions:
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Physical well-being – access to health, comfort, and safety.
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Social connections – community ties and relationships.
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Emotional balance – overall mood and stress levels.
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Spiritual fulfilment – sense of purpose and inner peace.
Interestingly, the study also found that women scored slightly higher than men, and teenagers aged 15 to 19 were the happiest age group overall.
So while city life may bring opportunities, it seems that slower, community-focused living still holds the key to lasting happiness for many Malaysians.
