Johor's population, estimated at 3.17 million in 2006, is projected to grow to 4.4 million by 2020. In terms of ethnic breakdown, the Malays (Bumiputeras) comprise 54%, Chinese (33%) and Indians (6%).
Johor’s population is relatively young, with 50% of the 3 million people in 2004 falling into the 15 to 44-year age group. This is an asset as the State pushes for rapid industrial development.
Workforce:
The active workforce in Johor was increased by 2.43% per year between 1991and 2000. During this 9 year period, a total of 256,900 job opportunities were created, while unemployment dropped from 3.3% in 1991 to 2.3% in 2000.
The availability of manpower, in fact, is projected to grow further by 2.88% between now and 2020. Unemployment is also projected to decline from 2.3% in 2000 to 2.0% in 2020.
Main Labour Trends:
There is significant migration of labour from rural to urban areas due to job opportunities in manufacturing, services and other primary employment sectors
However, there is population imbalance due to disparities in the status of development of the various Johor districts
Job availability is mainly concentrated in developed districts such as Johor Bahru, Muar, Batu Pahat and Kluang
Demand for skilled labour is on the rise as Johor aims for more high-tech, capital intensive and export-orientated industries.
