{
  "id": 6710319,
  "title": "Malaysia's July wholesale, retail trade sales rise 9pct to RM170.5bil",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/malaysias-july-wholesale-retail-trade-sales-rise-9pct-to-rm170-5bil",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T04:48:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2026/09/1530390/malaysias-july-wholesale-retail-trade-sales-rise-9pct-rm1705bil"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's wholesale and retail trade sales increased by 9.0% year-on-year to RM170.5 billion in July 2026, with growth seen across various activities. The Statistics Department reported a 4.1% year-on-year increase in the volume index and a 1.0% month-on-month rise. Wholesale trade led the growth, with sales jumping 11.7% to RM78.4 billion, up RM8.2 billion from the previous year. This surge was primarily driven by other specialized wholesale activities, which surged 22.8% to RM31.7 billion, bolstered by higher sales of petrol, diesel, lubricants, and liquefied petroleum gas. Wholesale of household goods expanded by 5.2% to RM15.5 billion, thanks to increased sales of pharmaceuticals, medical goods, jewelry, and clothing. Agricultural raw materials and live animals saw a 9.0% rise, driven by stronger demand for palm oil. Food, beverages, and tobacco sales grew 3.9% to RM14.7 billion, spurred by higher sales of rice, flour, sugar, dairy products, and fish and seafood. Retail trade sales climbed 6.4% to RM71.3 billion, with non-specialized stores growing 7.2% to RM27.6 billion, thanks to higher sales at supermarkets and department stores. Sales of other goods in specialized stores rose 7.6% to RM15.1 billion, driven by pharmaceuticals, medical goods, and jewelry. The motor vehicle subsector recorded a 7.9% increase to RM20.8 billion, with vehicle sales up 8.3% to RM10.7 billion. Sales of motor vehicle parts and accessories grew 7.1%, while maintenance and repair activities expanded 6.8%. Online retail sales index increased 7.4% year-on-year in July, with the strongest growth seen in motor vehicles at 6.2%, followed by retail trade at 4.1% and wholesale trade at 3.6%. The department noted that the wholesale and retail trade sector remained in a positive position in July, buoyed by wholesale activity, household consumption, automotive sales, promotional activities, vehicle-related services, and continued growth in online retail.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s wholesale and retail trade sales rose 9.0 per cent year-on-year to RM170.5 billion in July 2026, supported by growth across wholesale, retail and motor vehicle activities.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Business : Malaysia’s Wholesale, Retail Trade Sales Rise To RM170.5 Bln In July 2026",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/business-malaysiaa-s-wholesale-retail-trade-sales-rise-to-rm170-5-bln",
        "published": "2026-09-11T03:14:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}