Malaysia: Malaysia’s wholesale and retail trade sector recorded total sales of RM154 billion in March 2025, marking a year-on-year growth of 5.7 percent, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin stated that the growth was driven by the retail trade and wholesale trade sub-sectors. Retail trade recorded total sales of RM67 billion, an increase of RM4.2 billion or 6.6 percent year-on-year. Wholesale trade registered total sales of RM67.8 billion, up RM3.7 billion or 5.7 percent year-on-year.

During the same period, the motor vehicles sub-sector posted sales of RM19.2 billion, reflecting a 2.3 percent increase from a year ago. Mohd Uzir highlighted that the growth in the retail trade sub-sector was supported by strong performance across various categories, spurred by festive season preparations and increased spending during Ramadan.

He noted that the disbursement of Special Aidilfitri Assistance, along with RM1.7 billion under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), significantly boosted consumer activity. This led to higher consumer traffic in supermarkets, shopping malls, and other retail outlets.

In March 2025, Mohd Uzir said the wholesale trade remained resilient, underpinned by strong domestic demand for household goods and food items, in conjunction with the festive season. Sales in the wholesale of household goods rose 7.6 percent to RM14.5 billion, supported by higher demand in categories such as pharmaceutical and medical goods, perfumeries, cosmetics, toiletries, and jewellery.

The wholesale of food, beverages, and tobacco also saw a 7.7 percent increase, reaching RM14 billion. Meanwhile, the motor vehicles sub-sector recorded growth compared to March last year, led by a 4.1 percent rise in sales of motor vehicle parts and accessories to RM5.2 billion, followed by a 1.5 percent increase in motor vehicle sales to RM10.1 billion.

DOSM also reported that online retail sales rose by 7.1 percent year-on-year in March, driven by festive promotions. In terms of volume index, the wholesale and retail trade increased by five percent year-on-year. This growth was mainly driven by the wholesale trade sub-sector, which rose by 6.3 percent, followed by retail trade with a 4.9 percent increase.