Latest news with #DoSM
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
M'sia trade in April soars to RM261.9b
PUTRAJAYA: A consistent increase in the global economy, along with the shifts in international demand for Malaysia's goods, resulted in improved trade performance, said Department of Statistics, Malaysia (DoSM). Total trade showing a double-digit 18.2% uptick from RM221.6 billion in the previous year to RM261.9 billion mainly attributable from the growth in imports of 20%, reaching RM128.4 billion and exports 16.4%, reaching RM133.6 billion. On the contrary, trade balance fell by 33% to RM5.2 billion in April 2025 as reported yesterday in DoSM's Malaysia External Trade Statistics Bulletin, April 2025. Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said that Malaysia's export growth was driven by an increase in both domestic exports and re-exports in April 2025. Domestic exports, which accounted for 74.9% of total exports, rose by 9.1% to RM100 billion, while re-exports, making up 25.1% of total exports, expanded by 46% to RM33.5 billion as compared to April 2024. Additionally, imports amounted to RM128.4 billion, an increase of 20% or RM21.4 billion. The trade surplus decreased 33% to RM5.2 billion, the 60th consecutive month of surplus since May 2020. Comparing with March 2025, imports and total trade recorded an increase of 14.1% and 4.8%, respectively. Meanwhile, exports and trade balance showed a decrease of 2.7% and 79.1%, respectively. From the perspective of the commodity group, 136 out of 258 export groups and 136 out of 260 import groups showed an increase as compared to the same month of the previous year. Mohd Uzir also pointed out that higher exports was attributable mainly to the US (+RM6 billion), followed by Singapore (+RM4.8 billion), Mexico (+RM2.5 billion), Taiwan (+RM2.2 billion), Thailand (+RM959.3 million), Australia (+RM634.5 million) and Indonesia (+RM621.5 million). Moreover, higher imports were mainly contributed from the US (+RM9.7 billion), followed by Taiwan (+RM6.8 billion), China (+RM5.1 billion), Mexico (+RM827.8 million), Ecuador (+RM415.3 million), Vietnam (+RM388.8 million) and Kuwait (+RM300.6 million). Commenting further on exports, he said the increase was reflecting the rise in electrical & electronic products (+RM15.8 billion); machinery, equipment & parts (+RM1.5 billion); other manufactures (+RM826.9 million); processed food (+RM771 million); palm oil-based manufactured products (+RM627.7 million); and optical & scientific equipment (+RM621.9 million). Furthermore, the increase in imports was logged for electrical & electronic products (+RM21.5 billion); machinery, equipment & parts (+RM1.6 billion); transport equipment (+RM1 billion); other agriculture (+RM361.3 million); palm oil & palm-based agriculture products (+RM314.6 million); and processed food (+RM268.3 million). Adding to this, Mohd Uzir also underscored the upsurge in imports by end-use which was in accordance with higher demand for capital goods.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia's services sector up 6% y-o-y in 1Q25
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's services sector grew by 6.0 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025), reaching RM630 billion in revenue, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the growth was supported by positive performance across all segments of the services sector such as the wholesale and retail trade, food and beverages, as well as the accommodation segment recorded an increase of RM24.2 billion or 5.3 per cent, reaching RM475.7 billion. "This robust expansion was driven by higher consumer spending and a rise in domestic travel, spurred by seasonal events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, preparations for Ramadan and Aidilfitri, as well as the reopening of the school year. "Additionally, a 31.3 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in international arrivals, reaching 6.7 million in the first two months of this year, further bolstered this growth,' he said in a statement today. Mohd Uzir said the services sector's performance was further supported by notable growth in the information and communication as well as transportation and storage segments, which expanded by 5.9 per cent y-o-y to reach RM87.9 billion in the first quarter. He said the information and communication subsector recorded a growth of 3.3 per cent, driven primarily by telecommunications activity, which rose by 3.8 per cent and contributed 63.5 per cent to the total value of the subsector. "This growth trend is in line with the increasing demand for digital connectivity and data services, reflecting the ongoing digitalisation efforts across industries and greater reliance on telecommunication services,' he said. Besides, the chief statistician reported that Malaysia's e-Commerce income for the first quarter hit RM310.6 billion, marking a 3.4 per cent y-o-y increase, primarily driven by a 6.0 per cent rise in the services sector. "This growth highlights the continued expansion of e-commerce in supporting services output and consumer activity. "The total number of persons engaged in this sector stands at 4.5 million, an increase of 1.9 per cent year-on-year. This growth was led by the transport and storage subsector which saw an increase of 3.5 per cent, followed by the wholesale and retail trade subsector which grew by 2.4 per cent,' he noted. Meanwhile, total salaries and wages increased by 4.1 per cent y-o-y to register RM33.6 billion. The increment was attributed to the wholesale and retail trade as well as the transportation and storage subsectors which rose 3.9 per cent and 4.8 per cent respectively. In conclusion, Malaysia's progression toward a high-value, knowledge-based economy continues to be underpinned by the services sector, which remains a key driver of national growth. "Sustained by resilient consumer demand and accelerated digitalisation, strategic focus on tourism development, technological innovation, and business facilitation will be instrumental in maintaining growth momentum and strengthening Malaysia's position as a competitive and forward-looking economic hub in the region,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia's services sector up 6pct year-on-year in Q1
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's services sector grew by 6.0 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025), reaching RM630 billion in revenue, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the growth was supported by positive performance across all segments of the services sector such as the wholesale and retail trade, food and beverages, as well as the accommodation segment recorded an increase of RM24.2 billion or 5.3 per cent, reaching RM475.7 billion. "This robust expansion was driven by higher consumer spending and a rise in domestic travel, spurred by seasonal events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, preparations for Ramadan and Aidilfitri, as well as the reopening of the school year. "Additionally, a 31.3 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in international arrivals, reaching 6.7 million in the first two months of this year, further bolstered this growth," he said in a statement today. Mohd Uzir said the services sector's performance was further supported by notable growth in the information and communication as well as transportation and storage segments, which expanded by 5.9 per cent y-o-y to reach RM87.9 billion in the first quarter. He said the information and communication subsector recorded a growth of 3.3 per cent, driven primarily by telecommunications activity, which rose by 3.8 per cent and contributed 63.5 per cent to the total value of the subsector. "This growth trend is in line with the increasing demand for digital connectivity and data services, reflecting the ongoing digitalisation efforts across industries and greater reliance on telecommunication services," he said. Besides, the chief statistician reported that Malaysia's e-Commerce income for the first quarter hit RM310.6 billion, marking a 3.4 per cent y-o-y increase, primarily driven by a 6.0 per cent rise in the services sector. "This growth highlights the continued expansion of e-commerce in supporting services output and consumer activity. "The total number of persons engaged in this sector stands at 4.5 million, an increase of 1.9 per cent year-on-year. This growth was led by the transport and storage subsector which saw an increase of 3.5 per cent, followed by the wholesale and retail trade subsector which grew by 2.4 per cent," he noted. Meanwhile, total salaries and wages increased by 4.1 per cent y-o-y to register RM33.6 billion. The increment was attributed to the wholesale and retail trade as well as the transportation and storage subsectors which rose 3.9 per cent and 4.8 per cent respectively. In conclusion, Malaysia's progression toward a high-value, knowledge-based economy continues to be underpinned by the services sector, which remains a key driver of national growth. "Sustained by resilient consumer demand and accelerated digitalisation, strategic focus on tourism development, technological innovation, and business facilitation will be instrumental in maintaining growth momentum and strengthening Malaysia's position as a competitive and forward-looking economic hub in the region," he added.
Malay Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's services sector up 6pc y-o-y in 1Q 2025, says Stats Dept
KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Malaysia's services sector grew by 6.0 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025), reaching RM630 billion in revenue, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the growth was supported by positive performance across all segments of the services sector such as the wholesale and retail trade, food and beverages, as well as the accommodation segment recorded an increase of RM24.2 billion or 5.3 per cent, reaching RM475.7 billion. 'This robust expansion was driven by higher consumer spending and a rise in domestic travel, spurred by seasonal events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, preparations for Ramadan and Aidilfitri, as well as the reopening of the school year. 'Additionally, a 31.3 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in international arrivals, reaching 6.7 million in the first two months of this year, further bolstered this growth,' he said in a statement today. Mohd Uzir said the services sector's performance was further supported by notable growth in the information and communication as well as transportation and storage segments, which expanded by 5.9 per cent y-o-y to reach RM87.9 billion in the first quarter. He said the information and communication subsector recorded a growth of 3.3 per cent, driven primarily by telecommunications activity, which rose by 3.8 per cent and contributed 63.5 per cent to the total value of the subsector. 'This growth trend is in line with the increasing demand for digital connectivity and data services, reflecting the ongoing digitalisation efforts across industries and greater reliance on telecommunication services,' he said. Besides, the chief statistician reported that Malaysia's e-Commerce income for the first quarter hit RM310.6 billion, marking a 3.4 per cent y-o-y increase, primarily driven by a 6.0 per cent rise in the services sector. 'This growth highlights the continued expansion of e-commerce in supporting services output and consumer activity. 'The total number of persons engaged in this sector stands at 4.5 million, an increase of 1.9 per cent year-on-year. This growth was led by the transport and storage subsector which saw an increase of 3.5 per cent, followed by the wholesale and retail trade subsector which grew by 2.4 per cent,' he noted. Meanwhile, total salaries and wages increased by 4.1 per cent y-o-y to register RM33.6 billion. The increment was attributed to the wholesale and retail trade as well as the transportation and storage subsectors which rose 3.9 per cent and 4.8 per cent respectively. In conclusion, Malaysia's progression toward a high-value, knowledge-based economy continues to be underpinned by the services sector, which remains a key driver of national growth. 'Sustained by resilient consumer demand and accelerated digitalisation, strategic focus on tourism development, technological innovation, and business facilitation will be instrumental in maintaining growth momentum and strengthening Malaysia's position as a competitive and forward-looking economic hub in the region,' he added. — Bernama
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
When breakfast becomes a burden
Once a humble RM4 per bowl, now a breakfast luxury. Minced meat noodles with egg – comfort in a bowl, but with each price hike, the warmth gets a little harder to afford. FOR generations of Malaysians, our daily rhythm looks something like this: roti canai in the morning, nasi lemak for lunch, satay for dinner. For others, it's kolo mee or kampua mee or butter kaya toast to start the day, mixed vegetable rice at midday, and something simple for dinner. These aren't indulgences. They're comfort food – warm, familiar, filling, and above all, affordable. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) recently released some figures showing that roti canai had gone up from 90 sen in 2011 to RM1.54 in 2024. Nasi lemak climbed from RM2.03 to RM3.68. Chicken satay, once sold for 51 sen a stick, now costs RM1.09. That's more than doubled in just over a decade. However, we know those numbers are already behind reality. In Kuching, where I did a quick check with a Muslim friend this week, a plain roti canai is now RM1.60 to RM2 per piece. Nasi lemak starts at RM4 and easily hits RM6 with extras. Chicken satay? RM1.20 to RM1.50 a stick. The pain behind these rising prices is not just about statistics. It's about the shrinking space for ordinary Malaysians – people like you and me – to live, eat, and breathe without counting every sen(se). Not long ago, RM5 could get you a full breakfast: roti canai, a hot teh tarik, maybe even an egg. Today, that same RM5 might just get you a drink – and maybe a half slice of kaya toast. Even noodles haven't been spared. For many Malaysian Chinese, breakfast means kampua mee or kolo mee. These used to cost RM3 to RM4, probably just two years back. Today? RM6 to RM7. The change didn't creep in – it stormed in, and it hasn't stopped. We often talk about inflation in broad, detached terms, but the pinch hits hardest first thing in the morning. Breakfast is supposed to be the easiest, most affordable meal of the day. Now, it's another stress point for families, workers, retirees, and students alike. And the squeeze doesn't stop at the coffee shop. It hits the home kitchen too. From May 1, the government has cut the egg subsidy from 10 sen to five sen. By August, that support will be gone altogether. It may sound small, but in a country where eggs are a staple in everything from egg fried rice to soft-boiled egg on toast to 'char kway teow', this matters. An egg isn't just an egg. It's one of the best proteins. And it is not a burden to those watching their weight. It's the default item in school lunchboxes. It's what families turn to for a quick, affordable meal. Add 20 sen here, 30 sen there – and it begins to bite, especially when prices for other food are all climbing too. What does the government say? Well, they are proud to announce that inflation has slowed. DoSM said the national rate dropped to 1.8 per cent in 2024, down from 2.5 per cent the year before. We're told Malaysia is doing better than many other countries, where inflation averaged 5.7 per cent. But numbers on paper don't reflect the stress in our lives. Most people don't judge inflation by percentages – they keep a watchful eye over what their RM10 can still buy. And truly, it's not much you can buy with our red RM10 note. We're not talking about imported cheese or salmon here. We're talking about breakfast. The kind that used to power workers through the morning, or tide students over until recess. When even that becomes too expensive, what's left? It's the everyday folks who feel it most: the office worker grabbing something quick before clocking in; the parent packing three school-bags and planning three meals; the retiree who used to enjoy a peaceful morning at the 'kopitiam'. Now everyone's thinking twice. Skipping the egg. Settling for toast. Drinking plain water instead of 'kopi'. And it's not just food. Electricity, petrol, groceries – everything feels like it's inching upwards. But breakfast hits differently. Because breakfast is personal. It sets the tone for the day. And when we start the day stressed over prices, that stress lingers. Some say: 'It's just 50 sen more. Just RM1.' But it's never just that. It adds up for a family of five. It adds up when the pay stays the same year after year. It adds up when subsidies vanish, quietly. What's being lost isn't just affordability – it's ease. The ease of ordering your usual without double-checking your wallet. The comfort of chatting over breakfast without glancing at the menu price. The little pleasure of starting your day with something warm and familiar. Perhaps the government has its reasons for removing subsidies. Maybe it makes sense on paper. But what also needs to make sense is the support offered to those now paying more. If subsidies are taken away, then other forms of help must come in, whether targeted aid, or stricter monitoring of price hikes. And where are you, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living? Please step up! What we don't need is silence, or to be told everything's fine when our breakfast says otherwise. We need real conversation on easing daily burdens, on ensuring our most basic meals remain affordable and enjoyable, on why kampua mee now requires second thoughts. On how Malaysians, bit by bit, are giving up the very rituals that once brought us joy. Because when we can no longer afford to eat in peace at the start of our day, it says something. Not just about food, but about the kind of society that we're becoming. Let's not one day wake up and realise: we've priced ourselves out of our own mornings, while billionaires like Bill Gates, who was just in Singapore, fly in to savour our everyday hawker fares like roti prata, chicken rice, fishball soup, and satay.
