Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's wholesale and retail trade sales increased by 7.3% year-on-year to reach RM159.8 billion in January 2026, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin announced that retail trade recorded total sales of RM70.2 billion in January, marking a 6.1% year-on-year growth with an increase of RM4.1 billion. Wholesale trade also saw a rise, posting sales of RM70.8 billion, which is a 6.0% year-on-year increase, amounting to RM4.0 billion.
The motor vehicles sub-sector showed significant expansion with total sales of RM18.8 billion, which is a rise of RM2.8 billion, translating into a 17.3% year-on-year growth. Mohd Uzir highlighted that the retail trade's growth was primarily driven by higher sales in non-specialised stores, which rose by 7.9% to RM27.5 billion. This was supported by stronger demand at provision stores, department stores, and supermarkets.
Mohd Uzir explained that the overall improvement in retail activity could be attributed to the school holidays, New Year celebrations, the disbursement of Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP), and early preparations for the Chinese New Year festivities. Retail sales in specialised stores expanded by 5.4% to RM14.7 billion, driven by increased demand for pharmaceuticals, medical, and orthopaedic goods, as well as jewellery.
Additionally, retail sales of automotive fuels grew by 7.0% to RM6.5 billion, and sales of household equipment rose by 3.3% to RM7.8 billion, driven by higher purchases of construction materials, household furniture, and household utensils and crockery. Wholesale trade also maintained its steady performance, with the wholesale of household goods expanding by 9.4% to RM15.2 billion, mainly due to stronger sales of perfumeries, cosmetics, soap and toiletries, stationery, books, magazines, and newspapers.
Other specialised wholesale activities recorded growth of 4.3% to RM25.7 billion, supported by higher demand for construction materials, fertilisers, agrochemical products, and timber. Growth was further supported by the wholesale of food, beverages, and tobacco, which increased by 5.8%, driven by higher sales of rice, grains, flour, sugars, seafood, and beverages.
The motor vehicles sub-sector's strong performance was attributed to motor vehicle sales, which reached RM9.0 billion, a 25.9% year-on-year increase. This was partly due to promotional campaigns by automotive dealers and increased consumer demand ahead of the festive season. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) reported 64,298 vehicles sold, while the Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) recorded 67,995 vehicle registrations.
Sales, maintenance, and repair of motorcycles rose by 32.7%, sales of motor vehicle parts and accessories by 6.2%, and maintenance and repair of motor vehicles by 9.3%, reflecting continued demand for vehicle servicing and aftermarket components.
Online retail sales continued their growth trajectory in January, rising by 5.9% year-on-year. Digital payment activities also maintained strong momentum, with e-money transactions surging by 55.4% year-on-year to RM30.3 billion. Real-time retail payment platform (RPP) transactions amounted to RM359.0 billion, growing by 23.5%.
FPX transactions expanded by 32.6% to RM51.2 billion, while credit and debit card transactions were recorded at RM20.7 billion and RM14.6 billion, respectively. In volume index terms, wholesale and retail trade recorded a 5.8% year-on-year increase, mainly driven by the motor vehicles sub-sector, which grew by 15.9%. However, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume index declined by 2.4% month-on-month, Mohd Uzir added.