The Malaysian e-commerce market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% between 2024 and 2028 to reach MYR67.1 billion ($14.7bn) in 2028, driven by the ongoing shift in consumer preference from offline to online shopping, according to GlobalData, publishers of EPI.  

GlobalData’s E-Commerce Analytics reveals that Malaysia’s e-commerce market registered 12.2% growth in 2023 to reach MYR43.5 billion ($9.5bn), as consumers increasingly preferred online purchases.

Ravi Sharma, Lead Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Malaysia is among the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in Southeast Asia, supported by the rising internet and smartphone penetration, availability of secure online payment systems, and increasing number of online shoppers. Furthermore, online shopping festivals such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Single’s Day have also contributed to the overall growth of e-commerce in Malaysia.”

In 2016, the government has launched the National e-Commerce Strategic Roadmap (NESR) to drive growth

The first phase of NESR (2016-2020) laid the foundation for an integrated e-commerce ecosystem, while the ongoing second phase (2021-2025) aims to further intensify e-commerce adoption, enhance ecosystem development, and strengthen the regulatory environment. As a result of the implementation of the two phases of NESR, nearly 1.51 million SMEs embraced e-commerce during 2016- 2023, according to Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Among the payment tools, alternative payment methods are the most preferred for e-commerce payments. According to GlobalData’s 2023 Financial Services Consumer Survey, alternative payment solutions accounted for a combined market share of 35.7% in 2023.

Payment brands such as Grab Pay and ShopeePay are popular alternative payment methods that have gained prominence due to their simplicity, speed, and convenience. In addition to domestic and regional brands, global brands such as PayPal and Google Pay are also available in the market. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Alternative payments are followed by payment cards and bank transfers. Cards account for 24.9% share of e-commerce transaction value in 2023. Credit cards are more preferred than debit cards due to the value-added benefits they offer, including interest free instalment payment options, reward programs, cashback, and discounts.

Sharma concludes: “With the rise in consumer preference for online shopping, improved payment infrastructure, and proliferation of payment tools, the future of e-commerce in Malaysia looks promising. It is set to grow by 11.3% in 2024 to reach MYR48.5 billion ($10.6bn).”