Malaysia, e-commerce and logistics

Malaysia is powerhouse for e-commerce in Southeast Asia.

Thanks to its active economy and developed infrastructure – particularly for digital technologies – Malaysia’s e-commerce opportunities are flourishing. Read on to the compare the e-commerce market, learn about postage and find the fast and best parcel delivery options to Malaysia.

Image of Petronas Twin Towers

Why ship to Malaysia?

Malaysia’s e-commerce market is booming, driven by strong domestic sales and increasing consumer confidence in online shopping. Major hotspots like Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang are experiencing major growth in e-commerce sales that are outpacing traditional established markets.

Indeed, projections suggest that the market will soar to a whopping US$13.43 billion by 2029, according to Statista. But the dynamic growth rate isn’t just about how much people are going online to shop, but how Malaysian’s are choosing to shop. They are looking for options that offer not only convenience but a variety of customised payment options that meet their individual shopping needs. 1

Consistent policy support through the National E-Commerce Strategic Roadmap 2.0 (NESR 2.0) and the MyDIGITAL agenda, as well as an 89% smartphone penetration rate, and nationwide 5G rollout, have also contributed to mass consumer adoption. 2

  • US$8.95 billion
    Revenue 2025
  • 17.8%
    Revenue change

[Stats taken from: https://www.statista.com/outlook/emo/ecommerce/malaysia]

The e-commerce landscape

Malaysian consumers are increasingly leaning towards personalised shopping experiences within the e-commerce landscape. Many are motivated by the appeal of tailored products and recommendations. This trend is particularly manifest in sectors like beauty and fashion, where local brands leverage cultural nuances to resonate with diverse demographic groups.

Additionally, the rise of social commerce exhibits a shift in how Malaysians engage with brands, choosing platforms that integrate shopping with social interactions, hence enhancing convenience and community engagement in their purchasing decisions. 3

Opportunities

Digital payments now dominate online check-outs as e-wallet acceptance has reached 2.6 million merchant points, giving buyers a near-cashless experience.

Live-stream commerce via TikTok Shop, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger is redefining conversion funnels, spurring brands to embed shoppable video into standard campaigns. 4

The Malaysia e-commerce market is forecast to more than double to USD 22.16 billion by 2030. 5

Logistics

When in comes to international shipping, Malaysia's strategic position in Southeast Asia assists cross-border trade and enhances product availability. Meanwhile, strong fulfilment investments — such as Cainiao’s direct air-freight routes that cut Sabah and Sarawak last-mile costs in half — indicate that logistics pain-points are being solved at scale.

The essentials

Transit Times 5-7 working days
Maximum Dimensions 100cm x 43cm x 43cm
Maximum Weight 20kg
Low Value Limit MYR 500 - customs duties may still apply depending on the type of product
SST (VAT) 5% - 10%
Duty Variable based on product. Further information can be found at https://customs.gov.my/en

Good to know

E-commerce in Malaysia thrives on a blend of cultural diversity and technological variation. The country’s unique multicultural landscape fosters a demand for products that resonate with various ethnic groups, particularly in sectors like fashion and beauty.

What our experts say

“The e-commerce market in Malysia is witnessing incredible growth, making it an attractive market for businesses”

Simon Perkins, Commercial Director, SAMOS.


For more information on cheap and fast parcel delivery to Malaysia, get in touch today