Malaysia’s September trade sales reach RM183.1 billion
Sales increased 15.9 per cent from a year earlier, with wholesalers making the largest contribution to growth.
The Statistics Department reported that Malaysia’s wholesale and retail businesses recorded September sales of RM183.1 billion, compared with RM158 billion a year earlier. The annual increase was 15.9 per cent, while the sector’s volume index advanced 5.5 per cent to 175.7 points.
Wholesalers accounted for RM89 billion, with turnover rising 25.3 per cent from RM71.1 billion. The other specialised wholesale category led the expansion, registering RM40.4 billion after a 56.7 per cent increase. The department linked this to higher petroleum-product sales, partly influenced by market price movements.
Household goods wholesalers saw sales rise 7.0 per cent to RM16.2 billion. Turnover in machinery, equipment and supplies climbed 11 per cent to RM6.6 billion, supported mainly by computers, electronic components and communications equipment.
Retailers generated RM73.7 billion, an increase of 6.9 per cent against RM68.9 billion previously. Non-specialised stores, including supermarkets and mini markets, drove the gain: their sales rose 7.9 per cent to RM29.2 billion.
The motor vehicles subsector posted RM20.5 billion in sales, representing growth of 13.4 per cent. Vehicle sales provided the main impetus, reaching RM10.1 billion after a 17.3 per cent rise. Motor vehicles also led volume growth, at 12.1 per cent.
Separately, the department recorded a slower increase in the online retail sales index: September’s growth was 6.3 per cent, against 6.7 per cent in August.
