According to the UNDP 1997 Human Development Report, and the 2004 United Nations Human Development (UNHDP) report, Malaysia has the highest income disparity between the rich and poor in Southeast Asia, greater than that of Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Menurut Laporan Pembangunan Manusia UNDP tahun, dan laporan Pembangunan Manusia (UNHDP) Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa tahun 2004, Malaysia memiliki kesenjangan pendapatan tertinggi antara kaya dan miskin di Asia Tenggara, lebih besar daripada hal tersebut di Filipina, Thailand, Singapura, Vietnam, dan Indonesia.