Sarawak recorded a “Happy” status in the Malaysian Happiness Index (MHI) 2024 despite posting the lowest score in the income component.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said several districts — Kanowit, Lawas, Telang Usan and Betong — were classified as “Very Happy”, while residents in Song and Selangau fell under the “Moderately Happy” category.
Speaking while chairing the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) meeting on Tuesday, Fatimah said Sarawak achieved an overall happiness score of 7.53 in the MHI 2024, placing the state in the “Happy” category.
She said data from the Department of Statistics showed that family, religion and spirituality, as well as time use, were the main contributors to happiness among Sarawakians. Although income recorded the lowest score, it still remained within the happy range.
Overall, Sarawak ranked 11th out of 16 states and federal territories. Happiness levels were slightly higher among women than men, while youths aged 15 to 19 recorded the highest happiness scores.
Fatimah added that the MHI 2024 marked a milestone as it was published in detail for the first time at both state and district administrative levels, allowing for more targeted and evidence-based social development planning.
