The State of Households

The State of Households (SOH) is Khazanah Research Institute’s flagship report that sheds light on the current condition of Malaysian households. It provides a detailed, evidence-based picture of how households are faring in terms of income, spending, cost of living, and overall welfare.Using nationally representative data, particularly the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), the report moves beyond headline figures to examine real lived experiences across different household groups. This includes how income translates into consumption, financial security, and vulnerability.The objective is to turn household-level data into clear, policy-relevant insights that reflect actual conditions on the ground. In doing so, the SOH helps identify gaps, inequalities, and pressures facing households today, and supports more informed, targeted, and evidence-based policymaking.