A recent study by Stanford University analysed step-count data from 717,000 individuals across 111 countries and identified a stark global variation in how much people walk each day. The country with the third-lowest average step-count is Malaysia—just 3,963 steps per day—earning the somewhat provocative label of “third laziest” in walking. As a tourism blogger, this ranking offers an unusual lens through which to explore Malaysia: rather than merely seeing it as a destination to visit, one might view it as a place where walking itself becomes a purposeful discovery.
Why do Malaysians walk so little? The data points to deeper structural and cultural reasons rather than simply “laziness.” One major factor is urbanisation and a heavy dependence on motorised transport. In Malaysia, many daily journeys are done by car or motorcycle rather than by foot. Urban sprawl and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure mean that walking often feels impractical. Malaysia, particularly its major cities, is not designed for walkers—sidewalks may be missing, poorly maintained, or even unsafe. This makes walking feel inconvenient or risky. Then there’s the tropical climate. The country’s year-round heat and humidity can make walking uncomfortable, especially during the midday sun or sudden rain showers. Many locals note that stepping out on foot often feels unreasonable compared to the comfort of an air-conditioned car.
Traffic congestion, high vehicle ownership, and cultural attitudes also play a role. Driving or riding has become the default for most trips, even when destinations are nearby. Walkability is not built into the everyday rhythm of life. Research into Malaysia’s urban planning shows that many developments focus on car access rather than pedestrian connectivity, resulting in patchy sidewalks and few safe crossings. This discourages walking, especially in high-traffic areas. Sedentary lifestyles are another piece of the puzzle. With the mechanisation of work, longer screen time, and more indoor entertainment options, physical activity levels have dropped across the board. Culturally, there’s even a subtle social perception that walking long distances might signal lower status or inconvenience, while car ownership is a symbol of success and comfort. Together, these environmental, infrastructural, and cultural factors explain why Malaysians tend to walk less—not because they are lazy, but because their surroundings simply aren’t built to encourage walking.
So how does this affect you as a traveller? In many ways, it presents an opportunity. Because the average Malaysian isn’t walking as much, for you—a visitor who chooses to walk—the experience becomes more rewarding. Fewer people on the sidewalks means more space to explore. It allows you to discover local secrets tucked away from the main roads: hidden food stalls, charming colonial buildings, and vibrant murals that many pass by unnoticed. In places where walking is uncommon, you might find a richer, slower pace of discovery that makes your journey feel more personal and authentic.
To put Malaysia’s ranking in perspective, the top ten “laziest in walking” list offers insight into how climate, infrastructure, and culture intersect across countries. Indonesia tops the list with an average of about 3,513 steps per day, followed by Saudi Arabia with around 3,807 steps. Malaysia comes third at 3,963 steps, followed by the Philippines, South Africa, Qatar, Brazil, India, Egypt, and Greece, all with average step counts below 4,400. These rankings reveal that most of the countries with the lowest step counts are located in hot climates where walking outdoors is less appealing, or in regions with car-centric urban planning. Saudi Arabia and Qatar, for instance, face extreme heat, while Malaysia combines heat with dense traffic and limited pedestrian-friendly design. In contrast, countries that ranked higher in the study—such as China, Japan, and the UK—tend to have more compact cities, better public transport, and cultures that encourage walking as part of daily life.
For tourists, this list is not a deterrent but an inspiration. If the locals are walking less, it means the visitor who does walk gets to see more. Exploring Malaysia on foot opens a different dimension of travel—one where the rhythm of local life becomes visible. You can wander through George Town’s heritage lanes in Penang, meander around Kuala Lumpur’s Kampung Baru for a taste of traditional Malay life, or take the scenic boardwalks of Langkawi’s mangrove forests. Each step reveals a new layer of the country, a slower and more intimate side that you miss behind a windshield.
In the end, Malaysia’s ranking is not a condemnation—it’s an invitation. It invites visitors to do what the average local may not: put one foot in front of the other and explore intentionally. Walking in Malaysia is more than just movement; it’s an act of curiosity, a quiet rebellion against comfort, and a way to experience the heart of the country one step at a time. So lace up your shoes, step outside, and let Malaysia surprise you—not just with what you see, but with what you find when you walk a little more than the average.