Malaysia’s wholesale and retail trade expanded in June, supported by festive celebrations and school holidays, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

The sector, which includes vehicle sales, recorded RM153 billion in sales, representing a 4.8% increase compared to the same month last year. This was slightly higher than May’s year-on-year growth of 4.4%.

However, on a month-on-month basis, distributive sales value declined by 0.9%.

Festive Seasons and Holidays Boost Retail Activity

Chief statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the increase reflects sustained domestic consumption, aided by the Aidiladha festivities and the mid-year school break.

Retail trade grew 5.4% year-on-year to RM67.5 billion. Growth was led by non-specialised stores such as supermarkets, mini markets, and convenience stores. Specialised stores selling cosmetics, clothing, jewellery, and optical goods also recorded stronger sales in June.

Wholesale Trade Supported by Food and Household Goods

Wholesale trade reached RM68.3 billion, up 5.2% compared to June 2024. The increase was driven by higher sales of meat, poultry, eggs, rice, grains, flours, sugar, and bakery products. Household goods also contributed to the rise in wholesale trade activity.

Digital Payments Continue to Rise

DOSM noted significant growth in digital payment adoption during June. Electronic money transactions surged 71%, while real-time retail payment platform transactions reached RM277.2 billion, reflecting the growing demand for fast and seamless transfers.

Financial process exchange transactions, which include online banking, rose 11%. Credit card spending remained steady, while debit card usage increased by 3.9%.

“These developments point to the increasing integration of digital payment solutions into everyday transactions, driven by consumer expectations for speed and ease of use,” DOSM stated.

Online Retail and Vehicle Sales Trends

Online retail sales increased 5.1% year-on-year, but after seasonal adjustments, month-on-month growth was a more modest 1.4%.

In the motor vehicles sub-sector, sales rose 0.7% to RM17.1 billion in June. Growth came from higher sales of vehicle parts and accessories, as well as motorcycle sales, maintenance, and repairs. Sales of motor vehicles, however, declined.

The volume index for wholesale and retail trade, which accounts for price changes, grew 4.4% year-on-year in June. On a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis, the index slipped by 0.6%.

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• TAGS:
• Consumer Spending
• Festive Seasons
• Holidays
• Wholesale Trade