The number of mobile cellular subscriptions in Malaysia over the years has seen various fluctuations, standing at 49.722 million in 2023. From 2013 to 2018, the trend was relatively stagnant with minor increases and decreases, peaking in 2014 and hitting a low in 2017. However, starting from 2019, a notable uplift began to take shape, with significant year-on-year growth, eventually reaching a 7.95% increase in 2021. Between 2022 and 2023, a 3.69% growth was observed, highlighting an upward trend as the market begins to recover and expand once again.
Forecasts from 2024 onwards indicate a continuous increase in mobile cellular subscriptions, anticipating a growth from 51.363 million in 2024 to 57.764 million by 2028. This period is expected to see an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.38%, translating to a 12.46% growth over the five-year forecast period.
Future trends to watch for include the potential impact of emerging technologies such as 5G and the increased penetration of smartphones, which could further drive subscription rates. The effects of economic factors and regulatory policies will also be critical in shaping the market landscape in the coming years.
