Happiest cities in Malaysia in 2025
If you need a reason to break out the smiles – or just have something to have a good gloat over – the annual Malaysia Happiness Index results were released on 20th March 2025. It revealed the 20 happiest cities in the nation, which see Lipis and Cameron Highlands in Pahang taking the top spots, followed by Kuala Krai in Kelantan.
Read on to find out who else made the list.
Two Pahang states take top spots
In 2024, the Malaysia Happiness Index stood at 86.94%, with Cameron Highlands recorded as the happiest township, followed by Jeli, Kelantan, and Jerantut, Pahang. This was based on data collected from 144 local authorities, with criteria that factored in aspects such as stress, health, family relationships, and satisfaction with community services.
Image credit: KPKT Malaysia via Facebook
This year, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) revealed in a Facebook post shared on 20th March that Lipis and Cameron Highlands, both nestled in the state of Pahang, have emerged as the happiest districts in Malaysia.
Following suit are Kuala Krai in Kelantan, Bandar Baharu in Kedah, Kuala Pilah and Jelebu in Negeri Sembilan, Jerantut in Pahang, and Telupid in Sabah.
Image credit: Raingod
Aside from district councils, 12 cities/municipal councils have earned recognition for their commendable happiness scores too. Among these are Bintulu (Sarawak) at the top spot, followed by Temerloh (Pahang), Klang (Selangor), Johor Bahru (Johor), Port Dickson (Negeri Sembilan), Jasin (Melaka), and Pontian (Johor).
Special mentions go to vibrant places like Ampang Jaya and Petaling Jaya in Selangor, Batu Pahat in Johor, Melaka City, and Putrajaya.
List factors in stress management, health conditions & more
These towns have aced various parameters that are based on the global happiness index. The criteria for this year remained the same, factoring in stress management, health conditions, familial ties, and the satisfaction derived from amenities and services curated by local authorities, as reported by Bernama.
Overall, Malaysia’s Happiness Index recorded a notable leap, rising from 83.34% in 2020 to 88.84% in 2025.
Out of 153 local authorities surveyed – which includes Peninsular Malaysia, the three Federal Territories of KL, Putrajaya, and Labuan, and Sabah and Sarawak – 75% have secured the “happy” banner, while the remainder of areas are tagged as “moderately happy”.
Malaysia Happiness Index in 2025
It’s great to see Malaysia’s Happiness Index increasing over the years. We hope the quality of living in our country will only continue to improve, so we can see more towns making the list.
Cover image adapted from: Lipis Zaini via Blogspot, Tommy Ling Photography via Facebook