A growing number of Malaysians have chosen to start anew overseas, with tens of thousands formally relinquishing their Malaysian citizenship in recent years, according to findings by the National Registration Department (JPN).
Picture for illustration purposes only.
Image credits: Harian Metro
Over 60k M’sians gave up their citizenship
Data from the department shows that neighbouring Singapore has become the most popular destination for former Malaysians, far outpacing other countries such as Australia and Brunei.
Speaking to Harian Metro, JPN director-general Datuk Badrul Hisham Alias revealed that 61,116 Malaysians gave up their citizenship over a five-year period, averaging around 10,000 cases annually. Women accounted for a larger share of these applications.
Image credits: Canva
Breakdown of new citizenships obtained:
- 93.78% became Singapore citizens
- 2.15% took up Australian citizenship
- 0.97% acquired Bruneian citizenship
- 3.1% moved to other countries not specified
Economic opportunities & family ties drive decisions
Badrul explained that economic considerations and family-related reasons were the primary motivations behind the decision to renounce Malaysian citizenship.
For Singapore, many Malaysians are already working there, and its stronger job market and higher income levels make the pathway to citizenship more attainable. Others, he said, opted for foreign nationality after marrying overseas spouses and settling abroad.
Image credits: Canva
There were also instances where citizenship was automatically revoked. This happens when individuals acquire a foreign nationality and exercise its rights, such as participating in elections, as Malaysia does not allow dual citizenship under the Federal Constitution.
Age groups most affected
JPN data also highlighted clear age trends among those giving up their citizenship:
- 31–40 years old: 19,287 individuals (31.6%)
- 21–30 years old: 18,827 individuals (30.8%)
- 41–50 years old: 14,126 individuals (23.1%)
- Above 50 years old: 8,876 individuals (14.5%)
The figures suggest that working-age Malaysians form the bulk of those choosing to pursue citizenship elsewhere, largely influenced by career prospects and family commitments abroad.
With many people leaving their home country for a better life, would you also consider doing the same? Let us know it the comments!
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