Overview of Hiring Activity
Malaysia’s online hiring activity rose 32% year-on-year in September 2026, measured against a soft year-ago base. Month-on-month, hiring rose 5%. It was the first monthly gain after two consecutive pullbacks, led by retail, sales and business development, and supply chain roles.
Over a shorter horizon, the index is 7% lower than three months ago and 11% higher than six months ago. Hiring has settled at a steadier level below its June high rather than resuming its first-half climb. The rebound eases concerns of a sustained slide, but whether it lasts depends on retail and sales demand holding into the final quarter.
Growth remains concentrated in construction, supply chain and engineering roles. Frontline hiring in hospitality and customer service stays well below year-ago levels.
Hiring Trends by Industry (YoY change)
7 out of 10 industries tracked by the Index registered year-on-year growth in September 2026, with Engineering, Logistics and Manufacturing leading.
In demand
Engineering, Construction & Real Estate (+36%) The top performer for a fourth consecutive month. Data-centre and public infrastructure projects in Johor and Selangor continue to keep contractors hiring.
Logistics, Courier/Freight/Transportation & Shipping/Marine (+21%) A firm second place. The gain is narrower than in recent months because September 2025 was a stronger base, but distribution networks are still expanding.
Production/Manufacturing, Automotive & Ancillary (+17%) Factory and assembly hiring is benefiting from the manufacturing build-out across Penang and the northern corridor.
Oil & Gas (+14%) Project-linked and operational hiring keeps the sector comfortably above year-ago levels.
IT, Telecom/ISP & BPO/ITES (+12%) Still positive, though technology hiring has cooled from its June high as AI infrastructure projects move from build-out to steady-state staffing.
BFSI (+9%) The narrowest gain among growing sectors, as lenders hire selectively for growth and compliance roles.
Facing challenges
Advertising, Market Research, PR, Media & Entertainment (−14%) Slipped into decline, largely because hiring was unusually high in September 2025 rather than because of a sharp drop this year.
Retail (−18%) Hiring recovered over the month, but soft discretionary spending keeps the sector well short of last year.
Hospitality (−22%) The steepest industry decline, holding near its lowest level since October 2024 as operators keep staffing lean.
Hiring Trends by Functional Area (YoY change)
7 out of 10 functional areas recorded year-on-year growth in September 2026. Supply chain and engineering roles lead, while hospitality and customer service roles remain under the heaviest pressure.
In demand
Purchase/Logistics/Supply Chain (+49%) The fastest-growing function for a tenth consecutive month. Distribution, warehousing and manufacturing supply chains are expanding together.
Engineering/Production (+31%) A sharp climb on construction and factory activity. A softer year-ago comparison also lifts the figure.
HR & Admin (+13%) Employers continue to build recruitment and compliance capacity to support expansion.
Marketing & Communications (+9%) Brands are keeping campaign work in-house, which sustains demand for marketing talent.
Software, Hardware & Telecom (+6%) Infrastructure and support roles keep technology functions positive.
Sales & Business Development (+1%) Back in line with year-ago levels after a solid monthly rebound, as firms begin cautiously adding commercial capacity.
Facing challenges
Finance & Accounts (−4%) Slipped below last year’s level as finance teams hold headcount tight.
Customer Service (−31%) AI-driven self-service continues to reduce demand for traditional frontline support roles.
Hospitality Roles (−39%) The sharpest functional decline, as hotels staff to subdued demand.
About the foundit Insights Tracker
The foundit Insights Tracker (fit) Malaysia (formerly the Monster Employment Index) is a monthly benchmark of online hiring activity across the nation. By analysing millions of job postings, fit provides timely, data-led intelligence on recruitment trends across industries, occupations, and skill categories, helping organisations and talent navigate an evolving labour market.
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