MALAYSIA’S wholesale and retail trade recorded double-digit growth in June, with sales rising 10.1 per cent year-on-year to RM168.5 billion as all three major subsectors expanded, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
The RM15.5 billion increase was led by wholesale trade, which accounted for the largest share of the overall gain, while motor vehicle sales registered the fastest growth during the month.
Wholesale trade sales rose RM8.5 billion, or 12.4 per cent, from June 2025 to RM76.8 billion, while retail trade grew RM4.5 billion, or 6.6 per cent, to RM72 billion.
The motor vehicle subsector recorded the strongest growth rate, with sales increasing RM2.6 billion, or 14.9 per cent, to RM19.7 billion.
"Overall, sales across the three subsectors increased by RM15.5 billion, contributing to the overall growth in wholesale and retail trade sales during the month," it said.
DOSM said wholesale trade continued to be the main engine of growth, expanding 12.4 per cent on the back of stronger performance in the other specialised wholesale group, where sales surged 25.3 per cent to RM31 billion.
The increase was supported by higher sales of petrol, diesel, lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with market price movements, particularly for petroleum-related products, also playing a role.
Wholesale sales of household goods increased 6.5 per cent to RM15.3 billion, supported by sustained demand for pharmaceutical and medical products, jewellery and clothing.
Food, beverages and tobacco wholesale sales rose 4.5 per cent, driven by stronger sales of rice, other grains, flour and sugar, dairy products, fish and other seafood.
Machinery, equipment and supplies recorded a 6.4 per cent increase to RM5.7 billion, mainly supported by higher sales of telephone and telecommunications equipment.
Retail trade also maintained its positive trajectory, with sales rising 6.6 per cent to RM72 billion.
Sales at non-specialised stores increased 7.0 per cent to RM28 billion, supported by continued business at supermarkets and department stores.
Other goods sold through specialised stores also recorded 7.0 per cent growth to RM15.3 billion, driven mainly by stronger demand for pharmaceutical and medical products and jewellery.
Automotive fuel sales at specialised stores increased 10.8 per cent, while sales of food, beverages and tobacco at specialised stores grew 6.6 per cent, supported by stronger sales of bakery and confectionery products, fish and other seafood, dairy products and eggs.
DOSM said retail activity was further supported by increased consumer spending during the festive season and the extended school holiday period, which continued into the first week of June.
The extended holiday period contributed to greater mobility, household expenditure and consumption activity across the retail sector.
Meanwhile, the motor vehicle subsector emerged as the fastest-growing segment, with sales rising 14.9 per cent to RM19.7 billion.
Motor vehicle sales alone jumped 22.3 per cent to RM9.8 billion, supported by higher vehicle sales and registrations during the month.
The increase was consistent with data from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), which recorded 67,879 vehicle sales, while the Road Transport Department (JPJ) registered 73,905 vehicles.
Growth was also recorded across related automotive activities, with sales of motor vehicle components and accessories rising 8.3 per cent, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles increasing 7.0 per cent, and sales, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related components and accessories climbing 13.0 per cent.
The June figures point to sustained momentum across Malaysia’s consumer and automotive sectors, with stronger vehicle demand complemented by continued activity in retail, maintenance, repairs and after-sales services. - August 12, 2026
