The latest Malaysia Retail Industry Report shows the sector expanding by 2.5% in the second quarter of 2026, even as the country’s economy grew by a stronger 6% during the same period. Dr Afendi Dahlan, Vice President of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), analyses these data points and what they say about strength of consumer demand.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The latest Malaysia Retail Industry Report shows the sector expanding by 2.5% in the second quarter of 2026, even as the country’s economy grew by a stronger 6% during the same period. Dr Afendi Dahlan, Vice President of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), analyses these data points and what they say about strength of consumer demand. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

Malaysia’s Retail Industry Observations

Xi Jinping’s first visit to India in seven years has raised hopes of a thaw between Asia’s two biggest powers, with Xi and Narendra Modi pledging to stabilise ties and work towards resolving their long-running border dispute. But deep mistrust remains, alongside a widening trade imbalance and strategic competition across the region. Is the latest rapprochement the beginning of a genuine structural shift in India-China relations, or simply a pragmatic response to an increasingly uncertain global order?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Xi Jinping’s first visit to India in seven years has raised hopes of a thaw between Asia’s two biggest powers, with Xi and Narendra Modi pledging to stabilise ties and work towards resolving their long-running border dispute. But deep mistrust remains, alongside a widening trade imbalance and strategic competition across the region. Is the latest rapprochement the beginning of a genuine structural shift in India-China relations, or simply a pragmatic response to an increasingly uncertain global order? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can India and China Really Reset Relations?

Oil markets are facing a renewed supply squeeze as Saudi Arabia shuts its East-West Pipeline following a drone attack, while global inventories have already fallen by more than 500 million barrels since February. Claudio Galimberti, Chief Economist at Rystad Energy, share his insights into where oil prices are heading with the Strait of Hormuz situation remaining unresolved.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Oil markets are facing a renewed supply squeeze as Saudi Arabia shuts its East-West Pipeline following a drone attack, while global inventories have already fallen by more than 500 million barrels since February. Claudio Galimberti, Chief Economist at Rystad Energy, share his insights into where oil prices are heading with the Strait of Hormuz situation remaining unresolved. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Crude Oil : Is US$120 Likely? 

Malaysia attracted RM218.5 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, with foreign investors accounting for almost 60% of the total and AI-related projects continuing to drive interest. But investment remains concentrated among a handful of countries and states, while a tougher global environment could test whether recent momentum can be sustained. Can Malaysia reach its RM382 billion target for the year, and how much of today’s investment pipeline will ultimately translate into jobs and real economic activity?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia attracted RM218.5 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, with foreign investors accounting for almost 60% of the total and AI-related projects continuing to drive interest. But investment remains concentrated among a handful of countries and states, while a tougher global environment could test whether recent momentum can be sustained. Can Malaysia reach its RM382 billion target for the year, and how much of today’s investment pipeline will ultimately translate into jobs and real economic activity? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s Retail Industry Observations

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