KANGAR, May 12 — Malaysia’s wholesale and retail trade increased by 5.2 percent in March this year, indicating that the domestic economic ecosystem of the country is in a dynamic and progressive state.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the rise proves the ministry is on the right track.
"The increase in wholesale and retail sales performance percentage signifies that all the actions, monitoring, and enforcement we undertake are on the right track.
"We are not only enforcing existing laws and regulations, but we can also see that the market is showing a positive response," he said at the launching of the KPDN Carnival Tour in Perlis yesterday.
On Thursday (May 9), the Department of Statistics Malaysia said wholesale and retail trade increased by 5.2 per cent to RM145.7 billion in March this year compared to the same period last year.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the increase resulted from the retail trade sector‘s hike of 7.1 per cent or RM4.2 billion to RM62.8 billion.
Armizan added that the government's subsidy rationalisation does not mean cutting or abolishing subsidies but rather aimed at ensuring they reach the targeted recipients.
Subsidy rationalisation would enable the government to increase and enhance cash assistance to the public, and highlighted the importance of ensuring these measures are accompanied by assurances of protection and social support for citizens.
He said the KPDN Carnival Tour aims to 'popularise' the ministry's services and role, while also creating opportunities for the public to benefit from the services provided.
The 2024 KPDN Carnival Tour, first held in Perlis, marks the beginning of a series of business development programmes to be held nationwide, including in Kelantan, Sarawak, Perak, Sabah, and Melaka from this month until December.
— Bernama
