The Most Popular State in Malaysia, Ranked

Choose the state you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:50
In a nation as culturally rich and geographically diverse as Malaysia, knowing which state stands out in popularity can offer valuable insights. Whether it's for travel planning, cultural exploration, or simply to satisfy curiosity, understanding which areas resonate most with both locals and visitors can guide important decisions. This ranking provides an up-to-date snapshot of public opinion, capturing the collective preferences of a broad audience. By participating in this voting process, you contribute to a clearer picture of Malaysia's regional appeal. Each vote helps to shape a real-time perspective of what each state has to offer, from unique cuisines and historical landmarks to natural beauty and local festivals. Your input ensures that the ranking remains current and reflective of the latest trends and opinions.

What Is the Most Popular State in Malaysia?

  1. 1
    81
    votes
    Selangor is the most populous state in Malaysia and is home to the capital city, Kuala Lumpur. It is also known for its vibrant economy, diverse culture, and numerous tourist attractions.
    Selangor is the most populous state in Malaysia located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is a vibrant and modern state that encompasses both urban and rural areas. Selangor is known for its diverse cultural heritage, rich history, bustling cities, and natural attractions.
    • Capital: Shah Alam
    • Population: Over 6 million
    • Area: 7,956 square kilometers
    • Official Language: Malay
    • Major Cities: Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Klang
  2. 2
    46
    votes
    Johor is the southernmost state of Malaysia and is known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and historical sites. It is also home to the famous Legoland Malaysia Resort.
    Johor is a state located in southern Malaysia, bordering Singapore. It is renowned for its rich historical heritage, vibrant culture, and natural attractions. Johor is the third-largest state in Malaysia and has a diverse population consisting of Malays, Chinese, and Indians. The state's capital is Johor Bahru, which is a major economic and commercial center.
    • Area: 19,210 square kilometers
    • Population: 3.74 million (2019)
    • Language: Malay, Mandarin, English, Tamil
    • Ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, Indian
    • Religion: Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism
  3. 3
    21
    votes
    Penang is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, diverse culture, and delicious food. It is also known as the "Pearl of the Orient" and is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites.
    Penang is a state in Malaysia located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is known for its vibrant street art, historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty. The state’s capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of cultures, including Chinese, Indian, and Malay.
    • Area: 1,048.9 km²
    • Population: 1.77 million
    • Official Language: Malay
    • Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
    • Highest Point: Penang Hill (833 m)
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    Perak is a state located in the northern part of Malaysia and is known for its scenic beauty, historical sites, and cultural diversity. It is also home to the famous Batu Gajah Kellie's Castle.
    Perak is a state located in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. It is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. With its capital city in Ipoh, Perak offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, modern attractions, and scenic landscapes.
    • Area: 21,035 square kilometers
    • Population: approximately 2.5 million
    • Main Language: Malay
    • Governor: Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah
    • Geographical Features: Coastal plains, mountains, and rivers
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    Sarawak is a state located on the island of Borneo and is known for its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and natural attractions such as the Mulu Caves.
    Sarawak is a state located on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. It is the largest state in the country and known for its rich culture, diverse ethnic groups, and stunning natural beauty. Sarawak is renowned for its lush rainforests, unique wildlife, and beautiful landscapes, including the iconic Mulu Caves and Bako National Park. The state also boasts a vibrant capital city, Kuching, which offers a blend of modern development and traditional architecture.
    • Size: 124,450 square kilometers
    • Population: approximately 2.8 million
    • Ethnic Diversity: home to over 40 ethnic groups, including the Iban, Malay, Chinese, Bidayuh, and Melanau
    • Language: official languages are Malay and English, with numerous indigenous languages spoken
    • Major Cities: Kuching, Miri, Sibu
  6. 6
    6
    votes
    Sabah is another state located on the island of Borneo and is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage. It is also home to the famous Mount Kinabalu.
    Sabah is a state located on the northern part of Borneo Island in Malaysia. It is known for its diverse natural landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Sabah offers a unique blend of vibrant cities, stunning mountains, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and fascinating indigenous cultures. With its abundant wildlife and marine life, Sabah is a popular destination for ecotourism and adventure activities.
    • Capital: Kota Kinabalu
    • Area: 73,904 square kilometers
    • Population: approximately 3.9 million
    • Official Language: Malay
    • Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    Kedah is a state located in the northern part of Malaysia and is known for its scenic beauty, historical sites, and cultural attractions such as the Alor Setar Tower.
    Kedah is a state located in the northern region of Malaysia. It is known as the 'Rice Bowl of Malaysia' due to its vast paddy fields and agricultural activities. The state is home to various historical sites, natural attractions, and traditional Malay culture. Kedah is also famous for its beautiful beaches and delicious local cuisine.
    • Capital: Alor Setar
    • Area: 9,425 square kilometers
    • Population: approximately 2.1 million
    • Official Language: Malay
    • Religion: Islam
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    Pahang is a state located on the east coast of Malaysia and is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage such as the Sultan Abu Bakar Museum.
    Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, located on the east coast. It boasts a diverse landscape with beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains. Pahang is known for its rich cultural heritage, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine.
    • Area: 35,965 square kilometers
    • Population: 1,652,000
    • Capital: Kuantan
    • Highest Peak: Mount Tahan (2,187 meters)
    • Longest River: Pahang River (459 kilometers)
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Terengganu is a state located on the east coast of Malaysia and is known for its beautiful beaches, island resorts, and cultural heritage such as the Crystal Mosque.
    Terengganu is a state located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is known for its beautiful beaches, traditional Malay culture, and rich heritage. The state offers a wide range of attractions including pristine islands, historical sites, and vibrant markets.
    • Capital: Kuala Terengganu
    • Area: 12,995 square kilometers
    • Population: 1.2 million (approx.)
    • Language: Malay (official language), English
    • Religion: Islam (official religion)
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Kelantan is a state located in the northeast of Malaysia and is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and beautiful mosques such as the Sultan Ismail Petra Silver Jubilee Mosque.
    Kelantan is a state located in the northeastern part of Malaysia. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional arts, and stunning natural landscapes. The state is primarily populated by Malay Muslims, and the local community deeply values their traditions and customs.
    • Capital: Kota Bharu
    • Area: 15,033 square kilometers
    • Population: approximately 1.8 million
    • Language: Malay
    • Religion: Islam

Missing your favorite state?

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Ranking factors for popular state

  1. Population
    The larger the population of a state, the more popular it tends to be. 2. Tourism: The number of tourist attractions and visitors can be a good indicator of a state's popularity. 3. Economy: The strength of a state's economy can attract people to live and work there, thus increasing its popularity. 4. Education: The presence of reputable schools and universities can make a state more popular among students. 5. Infrastructure: Accessible and efficient transportation systems, as well as modern infrastructure, can make a state more appealing to residents and visitors. 6. Safety and security: A state with a low crime rate and a stable political environment is more likely to be popular among locals and foreigners. 7. Natural beauty: The presence of scenic landscapes, beaches, and natural attractions can boost a state's popularity among tourists and nature enthusiasts.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular state in Malaysia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or State is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2216 views
  • 210 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each State once every 24 hours. The rank of each State is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular state in malaysia

Malaysia is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia, known for its diverse culture, rich history, and scenic landscapes. The country is divided into 13 states and 3 federal territories, each with its unique charm and character. Malaysians take pride in their states and often engage in friendly competitions to determine which one is the best. In this article, we will explore the most popular state in Malaysia, based on the results of our StrawPoll surveys. We'll delve into what makes this state unique and why it is a favorite among Malaysians and visitors alike. So, get ready to discover the top state in Malaysia and learn more about this fascinating country!

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