Malaysia’s Retail Sales Surge in March 2025, Boosted by Hari Raya Preparations

Kuala Lumpur, May 13, 2025 – Malaysia’s retail sector saw a robust uptick in March 2025, with distributive trade growing by 5.7% year-on-year, up from 5.2% in February, driven by a strong performance in retail sales. According to official data, retail trade jumped 6.6% year-on-year in March, compared to 5.8% the previous month, fueled by heightened consumer spending ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festive season.

Raya

The surge in retail activity was particularly pronounced at stalls and markets, where sales soared by 10.0% year-on-year, a sharp increase from 7.6% in February. Demand during the fasting month played a key role, alongside strong growth in non-store retail trade (9.0% year-on-year) and specialized food, beverage, and tobacco stores (8.1% year-on-year). Motor vehicle sales also contributed, rising 2.3% year-on-year, up from 1.5% in February.

Analysts project that retail sales will maintain their momentum through 2025, with a forecasted growth of 4.6%, slightly down from 5.5% in 2024. “A resilient labor market, controlled inflation, supportive monetary policies, and ongoing fiscal measures will continue to underpin domestic demand,” said analysts from MIDF. This strength is expected to help Malaysia navigate external trade challenges and sustain economic growth.

The buoyant retail figures signal confidence in Malaysia’s domestic economy, with festive spending and steady consumer demand setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

Business News