KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s wholesale and retail trade sales rose 15.9 per cent to RM183.1 billion in September from RM158 billion a year ago, supported by double-digit growth across all three subsectors.
The Statistics Department said the sales expansion was accompanied by a 5.5 per cent increase in the sector’s volume index.
Wholesale trade was the biggest contributor to growth, with sales surging 25.3 per cent to RM89 billion from RM71.1 billion last year.
The strong performance was mainly driven by the other specialised wholesale group, which expanded 56.7 per cent to RM40.4 billion.
“The increase was supported by higher sales of petrol, diesel, lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), partly influenced by movements in market prices, particularly for petroleum-related products,” it said in a statement.
Wholesale of household goods grew 7.0 per cent to RM16.2 billion, supported by demand for pharmaceutical and medical goods, electrical and electronics products, and clothing.
Wholesale of food, beverages and tobacco increased 6.0 per cent, driven by higher sales of rice, other grains, flour and sugar, as well as fish and other seafood.
Meanwhile, wholesale of machinery, equipment and supplies expanded 11 per cent to RM6.6 billion, mainly on higher sales of computers, electronic parts, and telephone and communications equipment.
Retail trade sales increased 6.9 per cent to RM73.7 billion from RM68.9 billion, led by retail sales in non-specialised stores, which grew 7.9 per cent to RM29.2 billion on stronger sales at supermarkets and mini markets.
Retail sales of other goods in specialised stores rose 6.0 per cent to RM15.1 billion, supported by higher demand for pharmaceutical and medical goods, as well as perfumes and cosmetics.
Retail sales of automotive fuel in specialised stores increased 10.6 per cent, while sales of information and communications equipment in specialised stores grew 6.8 per cent.
The motor vehicles subsector recorded a 13.4 per cent increase in sales to RM20.5 billion, an increase of RM2.4 billion.
Growth was primarily driven by motor vehicle sales, which rose 17.3 per cent to RM10.1 billion.
Sales, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related parts and accessories expanded 33 per cent, while sales of motor vehicle parts and accessories grew 6.9 per cent. Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles increased 6.1 per cent.
The Statistics Department said the online retail sales index grew 6.3 per cent in September, moderating from the 6.7 per cent increase recorded in August.
In terms of volume, the wholesale and retail trade sector expanded 5.5 per cent to 175.7 points, led by the motor vehicles subsector, which grew 12.1 per cent.