Malaysia's retail sales growth slowed in April, while industrial production recorded its strongest expansion in more than three years.
Retail trade sales rose 6.3% year over year in April, according to data released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia on Friday.
The increase was slower than the 7.5% growth recorded in March and fell short of the 7.7% forecast in a Trading Economics poll.
The sector's performance was driven primarily by a 6.1% increase in retail sales at non-specialized stores.
Sales of other goods in specialized stores rose 6.8%, while sales of other household equipment in specialized stores increased 3.5%.
Total wholesale and retail trade sales rose 15.3% year over year to 174.8 billion ringgit in April.
Wholesale trade sales climbed to 83.5 billion ringgit, retail trade sales increased to 71 billion ringgit, and motor vehicle sales advanced to 20.4 billion ringgit.
Separate data released Friday showed Malaysia's Industrial Production Index rose 8.2% year over year in April, accelerating from 3.1% in March.
The performance "marked the highest growth registered since September 2022, bolstered by the expansion across all sectors," the Department of Statistics Malaysia said.
Manufacturing output increased 8.3%, mining production rebounded 6.8% after contracting 6.5% in March, while electricity output rose 10.5%.
Export-oriented industries, which account for about two-thirds of the manufacturing sector, expanded, supported by increased production of computer, electronic, and optical products.
Domestic-oriented industries grew, driven by increases in motor vehicle production and food manufacturing.
The latest data comes as inflationary pressures show signs of picking up. Malaysia's consumer prices rose 1.7% year over year in March, the fastest pace in more than a year, while Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has cautioned that prices could rise further in the coming months.
The government has largely contained inflation through fuel subsidies, including a gasoline quota system and targeted diesel assistance, and is considering additional measures to help cushion households and businesses from rising costs.
Higher global commodity prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East are expected to increase domestic cost pressures and push inflation higher, Bank Negara Malaysia said.
However, the central bank said, "the impact on both headline and core inflation in 2026 is expected to remain contained."
