Hanoi, April 16 -- Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The number of workers laid off in Malaysia rose 47% in the first quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, with about 24,100 people losing their jobs, according to data cited in a report by Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB).

The report, based on figures from Malaysia's Social Security Organisation, showed layoffs peaked in January with around 10,700 cases before easing to 7,500 in February and 5,900 in March. Despite the slowdown toward the end of the quarter, the total remained significantly higher than the roughly 16,500 layoffs recorded in the same period of 2025.

The manufacturing sector has emerged as the most vulnerable segment of the labour market, reflecting its heavy reliance on global trade a...