Malaysia

Malaysia’s economy contracted over 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply and demand shocks, and a drop in oil prices. The economy is projected to bounce back over 2021-2022, driven by strong fiscal and monetary support, recovering global demand,...

While street stalls/kiosks declined overall in current value terms in 2020, independent street stalls/kiosks faced a much sharper double-digit decline in comparison to chained outlets. Markedly, independent street stalls/kiosks struggled to maintain ...

Consumer foodservice through standalone only experienced a minimal decline in current value sales in 2020, faring better with the new restrictions enforced and changing consumer habits. First off, standalone locations allowed consumer to more easily ...

Self-service cafeterias suffered losses during the pandemic in 2020. First off, the social distancing practises, particularly in crowded places like shopping centres, discouraged frequent visit by consumers. In fact, minimal foot traffic was a ...

Within Malaysian consumer foodservice, limited-service restaurants were the least impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, even seeing outlet expansion in 2020. Since consumers became more price sensitive due to the economic impact of the pandemic, they ...

International border closures for inbound tourists dampened the growth of full-service restaurants in 2020. In Malaysia, the border remained closed throughout December 2020 since COVID-19 cases surged in October and November. This had an adverse ...

During the strict lockdown period from March through June 2020, overall consumer foodservice current value sales plummeted due to mandated outlet closures in Malaysia. Eat-in operations were banned during this time, but players could continue to ...

Shifting consumer eating habits drove the dismal performance of cafés/bars in Malaysia, resulting in plummeting sales in 2020. First off, the ban of outlet operations for bars/pubs with entertainment licences forced many bars/pubs to remain closed ...

Compared to menswear and womenswear, demand for childrenswear shrinks at a relatively slow pace in 2020. One factor sustaining demand despite the pandemic is the fact that children continue to outgrow their clothes. As a result, parents still need to...

In 2020, COVID-19 dampened growth in most apparel accessories categories. For example, belts, ties and scarves all experienced a double-digit current retail value decline due to restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the pandemic in 2020. In ...

Since many corporations imposed a work from home regime due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, demand for menswear has changed as a result. For example, more formal ranges such as men’s suits, jumpers as well as jackets and coats experienced ...

In 2020, womenswear is set to decline drastically due to lockdown restrictions that limit social outings and work from home practices that diminish demand. In Malaysia, formal wear and apparel typically worn for going out is hit the hardest by the ...

The availability of apparel and footwear was restricted by the Movement Control Order (MCO) enacted at the onset of the pandemic by the Malaysian government in March 2020. The MCO called for the complete closure of non-essential stores including ...

In 2020, consumer demand for hosiery was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions in Malaysia. For example, work from home policies significantly lowered demand for hosiery as consumers had minimal chances to wear shoes ...

The national lockdown enforced at the onset of COVID-19 in Malaysia heavily restricted opportunities to wear sportswear in 2020. For example, during the Movement Control order (MCO) from March until June, no sporting events were allowed in the ...

The versatility of jeans prevented from a stronger decline in current retail value sales in 2020. In fact, the work from home practices adopted in Malaysia in combination with the growing athleisure trend offset to decline in demand for jeans. In ...

Consumer demand changes focus as a result of COVID-19 in 2020. Notably, there is considerably lower demand for formal footwear in 2020, such as dress shoes made from leather and women’s high heels typically worn to work. Such footwear was least ...

Malaysia stands among the top 15 countries globally in the Ease of Doing Business Index 2020, despite complicated procedures of starting a business and paying taxes. Access to finance is facilitated by a sound financial system and low interest rates....

Home care in Malaysia faced some challenges in initially adapting to the Movement Control Order (MCO) which was in affect from mid-March to early-May 2020. Under this order, the closure of non-essential businesses, offices, schools, manufacturing ...

In 2020, home insecticides is set to post a similar current retail value growth rate to that seen in 2019. Demand is set to be sustained throughout 2020 as consumers spend more time at home and want to continue to do so in a safe manner. Some ...