Malaysia's Economic Performance Still Positive Despite Global Uncertainty -- Chief Statistician

JASIN, March 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has continued to show positive economic performance despite global uncertainty, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin.

He said data released earlier this year shows that the country’s economy grew 5.2 per cent in 2025, supported by strong growth across various economic sectors, including the retail sector.

Mohd Uzir said the sales value of the wholesale and retail trade exceeded RM150 billion in the first month of this year alone, reflecting a solid domestic spending level. 

“This shows that the country’s economic health is still on a positive track and the growth momentum has been felt since early this year,” he told reporters after attending DOSM’s Ziarah Kasih Programme in Kampung Tedong Barat, Serkam, Melaka, today.

He said the country’s diversified economic structure and transformation encompassing sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, construction and services are important factors contributing to Malaysia’s economic resilience.

“Preliminary field data has also found positive responses from entrepreneurs, including more than 400,000 micro and small enterprises covered so far.

“This gives a very positive picture of economic vitality and the continued growth momentum (from last year) has already been observed,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Uzir said the Economic Census 2026 conducted by the government is also expected to provide a more comprehensive picture of the role of informal sector’s economic activities which are expanding and contributing to the national economic growth.

He explained that the current census also focuses on the informal sector, which previously was not fully recorded in the country’s economic statistics.

“Technological developments and digital facilities now open up more opportunities for individuals, especially the youth, to generate income without having to depend on formal employment.

“In the past, it might have been quite difficult for someone to become an entrepreneur, but today, with creativity and digital technology, they can market products from anywhere,” he said.

He added that the development of the tourism industry in Melaka, for example, has also seen the growth of various informal economic activities, including the homestay operations and support services that contribute to the local economy.

“The data collected through the census is important to help the government evaluate the effectiveness of economic policies and formulate more accurate improvement measures to strengthen the sector.

“Through the data, the government can see the chain of economic activities more clearly and design the appropriate assistance or support,” he added.

-- BERNAMA