Malaysia Climbs to 12th in Global Peace Index 2026, Ranked Among Asia’s Safest Nations

KUALA LUMPUR, June 2026 — Malaysia has climbed to 12th place out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index 2026, strengthening its position as one of the world’s safest and most peaceful nations.

The latest ranking marks an improvement from Malaysia’s 13th position in 2025, showing continued progress in the country’s peace and safety standing.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the achievement places Malaysia among the safest countries in Asia, alongside Singapore and Japan.

According to the Global Peace Index 2026 ranking cited by Malay Mail, Singapore placed eighth globally, Japan ranked 10th, and Malaysia followed at 12th, making the three countries among the

Saifuddin said Malaysia’s improved position reflects the continuous efforts of the Madani Government to ensure that security, safety and stability remain national priorities.

He also credited the achievement to the commitment of security personnel, enforcement agencies and all parties involved in maintaining national security and public peace.

The Home Minister said the Home Ministry will continue strengthening public safety, law enforcement, border control, crime prevention and efforts to preserve public order across the country.

Saifuddin also stressed that national security is not only a ranking achievement, but a foundation for public welfare, investor confidence and Malaysia’s economic growth.

The Global Peace Index is produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace and is described as the world’s leading measure of global peacefulness. The index ranks 163 independent states and territories and covers 99.7% of the world’s population.

The GPI uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators to assess the state of peace across three main areas: societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict, and militarisation.

Malaysia’s rise is significant because it comes at a time when global peace is deteriorating. The 2026 Global Peace Index found that global peace has fallen to its lowest level since the index began, with 99 countries recording a deterioration in peacefulness over the past year.

The report also found that 119 countries, or 73% of the index, are now less peaceful than when the GPI was first published in 2007.

This makes Malaysia’s improved ranking more notable, as the country moved upward while many nations faced rising conflict, geopolitical tension and security challenges.

The 2026 report also highlighted that the number of countries involved in external conflict has nearly doubled from 59 in 2008 to 103 in the latest index.

The global economic impact of violence also increased by 3.2% to US$21.81 trillion in 2025, equivalent to 10.5% of global GDP, according to the Institute for Economics & Peace.

Against this global backdrop, Malaysia’s position at 12th suggests that the country continues to maintain a relatively strong level of internal stability, public safety and low exposure to major conflict.

For Malaysia, the ranking also carries economic value. A strong peace and safety profile can help support tourism, attract foreign investment, improve business confidence and strengthen the country’s image as a stable destination in Asia.

Public safety is especially important for international visitors and investors. A high Global Peace Index ranking helps position Malaysia as a country with stable institutions, lower violence risk and a safer environment for residents, businesses and travellers.

The ranking also reflects the importance of continued enforcement work. Saifuddin said the government would keep improving border control and crime prevention, which are key areas in maintaining national security and public order.

Malaysia’s improved ranking may also support the government’s wider national branding. As competition grows among regional economies, safety and stability can become important advantages for tourism, investment and talent attraction.

However, the ranking should not be treated as the end of the work. Maintaining a high position requires continued focus on crime prevention, border enforcement, cybercrime response, social harmony, community safety and institutional trust.

The GPI ranking also shows that Malaysia is now placed close to other highly ranked Asian countries. Singapore’s eighth place and Japan’s 10th place show that Asia continues to have several countries with strong safety and peace profiles.

Malaysia’s 12th-place ranking therefore places the country in a strong regional position, especially within Southeast Asia.

The achievement is also relevant to the country’s tourism sector. Visitors often consider safety when choosing destinations, and Malaysia’s improved GPI position can help strengthen confidence among international travellers.

For the business sector, peace and stability can reduce operational risk and support long-term planning. Investors are more likely to view a country positively when public order, law enforcement and institutional stability are strong.

Malaysia’s rise to 12th place in the Global Peace Index 2026 is a positive national achievement. It reflects Malaysia’s continued position as one of Asia’s safest countries and highlights the importance of security as a foundation for public welfare, economic growth and investor confidence.

The development is suitable for Update News because it involves a current global ranking, Malaysia’s improved peace position, public safety, national security policy and international recognition.