Sarawakians placed in ‘Happy’ category despite poor incomes, four districts found to be ‘Very Happy’
by Churchill Edward · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Dec 17): Sarawak recorded ‘Happy’ status despite having the lowest score for income, according to the Malaysian Happiness Index (MHI) 2024.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said at district level, Kanowit, Lawas, Telang Usan, and Betong were categorised as ‘Very Happy’, while those living in Song and Selangau fell under the ‘Moderately Happy’ category.
“Sarawak continued to record a positive level of social well-being in 2024, with the state achieving an overall happiness score of 7.53 under the MHI 2024, placing it in the ‘Happy’ category,” Fatimah said when chairing the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) meeting on Tuesday.
She said the information from the Department of Statistics showed that family, religion, and spirituality, as well as time use, were the main contributors to happiness among Sarawakians.
“Income recorded the lowest score, though it remained within the happy category.
“Overall, Sarawak ranked 11th out of 16 states and federal territories. Happiness levels were slightly higher among women compared to men, while youths aged 15 to 19 recorded the highest happiness score,” she said.
Fatimah said the 2024 MHI marked a milestone as it was published in detail for the first time at state and district administrative levels, enabling more targeted and evidence-based social planning.