Malaysia's wholesale and retail trade records RM174.8 billion in April sales

Malaysia's wholesale and retail trade sector achieved a significant sales turnover of RM174.8 billion in April, marking a 15.3% year-on-year growth. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported that the volume index also saw a healthy increase of 6.2% compared to April 2025.

This robust performance was propelled by positive momentum across key sectors. Wholesale trade contributed RM83.5 billion, while retail trade generated RM71 billion in sales. The motor vehicle subsector also showed strong results, recording RM20.4 billion in sales, a 15.5% rise from the previous year.

Within wholesale trade, specialized sales, particularly in building materials and hardware, along with household goods, fueled growth. Higher prices for petroleum products, influenced by global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions, also played a role. Additionally, sales of agricultural raw materials and live animals reached RM6.8 billion.

The retail sector continued its strong trajectory. Non-specialized retail sales, primarily from hypermarkets, mini-marts, and convenience stores, increased by 6.1% to RM27.3 billion. Specialized retail, driven by demand for clothing, perfumes, cosmetics, and pet supplies, grew by 6.8%. Sales of fuel and household equipment also saw increases of 5.8% and 3.5%, respectively.

Furthermore, the digital economy showed considerable strength, with online retail sales climbing 7.1%. Digital payment activities, including card transactions, FPX, JomPAY, and RPP, surged by 29.9% to RM360.7 billion, indicating a significant shift towards digital commerce.