Malaysia’s wholesale and retail trade sector experienced a significant boost in March 2025, with total sales reaching RM154 billion, according to a report released today by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). This represents a robust year-on-year growth of 5.7 percent.
The Chief Statistician of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, attributed this strong performance to growth in both the retail trade and wholesale trade sub-sectors.
The retail trade sub-sector saw total sales of RM67 billion, an increase of RM4.2 billion, marking a 6.6 percent rise compared to the previous year. This growth was fueled by festive season spending, Ramadan preparations, and the disbursement of government aid programs.
DOSM said retail sales in non-specialised stores rose by 6.5 per cent to RM25.8 billion while retail sales in specialised stores grew by 7.3 per cent to RM14.2 billion, with strong sales in clothing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and jewelry.
Sales of household goods increased by 5.8 per cent to RM7.6 billion, and retail sales of automotive fuel climbed 7.9 per cent to RM6.2 billion, driven by increased travel during Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Additionally, the retail sales of food, beverages, and tobacco in specialized stores rose by 8.1 per cent to RM4.3 billion.
Wholesale Trade Remains Strong
The wholesale trade sub-sector also performed strongly in March 2025, with total sales of RM67.8 billion, a 5.7 per cent increase year-on-year. This growth was supported by domestic demand for household-related products and food items during the festive season.
- Wholesale of household goods rose by 7.6 per cent to RM14.5 billion, driven by sales of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and jewelry.
- Wholesale of food, beverages & tobacco increased by 7.7 per cent to RM14.0 billion.
- Other specialized wholesale trade increased by 2.5 per cent to RM24.7 billion, mainly due to sales related to house finishings.
Motor Vehicles Sub-Sector Shows Growth
The motor vehicles sub-sector recorded increased sales compared to March of the previous year.
- Sales of motor vehicle parts & accessories rose by 4.1 per cent to RM5.2 billion.
- Sales of motor vehicles increased by 1.5 per cent to RM10.1 billion.
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) also reported increases in vehicle sales and registrations, respectively, partly attributed to promotional offers during the festive period.
Online Retail Sales and Overall Volume Index Increase
Online retail sales also saw growth, with the index rising by 7.1 per cent year-on-year. The overall volume index for wholesale and retail trade increased by 5.0 per cent year-on-year, driven mainly by the wholesale trade sub-sector (6.3 per cent) and retail trade (4.9 per cent).
Positive Outlook
DOSM anticipates continued growth in Malaysia’s wholesale and retail trade sector, supported by resilient domestic demand and positive consumer sentiment.
