Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s total trade in January 2026 reached RM272.4 billion, with exports and imports recorded at RM146.9 billion and RM125.5 billion, respectively, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
Chief statistician Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said exports rose RM24.1 billion, or 19.6 per cent, year-on-year to RM146.9 billion.
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“The increase in exports was driven by higher shipments from Pulau Pinang (RM22.1 billion), Johor (RM5.7 billion), Kuala Lumpur (RM736.4 million), Perak (RM373.2 million), Negeri Sembilan (RM60.5 million) and Perlis (RM5.7 million),” he said.
“Exports fell in Melaka (RM1.5 billion), Kedah (RM1.5 billion), Terengganu (RM549.3 million), Pahang (RM389.8 million), Selangor (RM339.1 million), Labuan (RM212.3 million), Sarawak (RM293.8 million), Sabah (RM82.8 million) and Kelantan (RM51.7 million).”
Pulau Pinang remained Malaysia’s top exporter with a 44.2 per cent share, followed by Johor (19.7 per cent), Selangor (14.2 per cent), Sarawak (6.1 per cent) and Kuala Lumpur (3.5 per cent).
On the import side, Mohd Uzir said January 2026 saw a 5.3 per cent increase, or RM6.3 billion, compared with the same month in 2025.
“The growth in imports was led by Pulau Pinang (RM3.7 billion), Selangor (RM2.0 billion), Melaka (RM1.3 billion), Kuala Lumpur (RM846.0 million), Kedah (RM772.0 million), Perak (RM236.3 million), Sarawak (RM76.2 million), Negeri Sembilan (RM161.1 million) and Labuan (RM3.0 million),” he said.
“Imports declined in Johor (RM1.8 billion), Pahang (RM192.5 million), Sabah (RM71.5 million), Perlis (RM41.9 million), Kelantan (RM26.4 million) and Terengganu (RM1.5 million).”
Pulau Pinang accounted for 25.8 per cent of Malaysia’s imports, followed by Selangor (25.1 per cent), Johor (21.7 per cent), Kuala Lumpur (8.7 per cent) and Kedah (5.6 per cent).
Additionally, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Australia reached RM78.63 billion in 2025, with exports valued at RM48.64 billion and imports at RM29.99 billion.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said on the investment front, 382 manufacturing projects involving Australian investors had been realised, with total investment amounting to RM6.10 billion as of September 2025, creating 24,620 job opportunities.
“These investments are concentrated in the basic metals, non-metallic minerals, chemicals, machinery and equipment, plastics, rubber, transport equipment and food manufacturing sectors.
“Malaysia is now a key location for Australian companies, such as Cochlear, Lynas and BlueScope, operating in Southeast Asia,” it said in a written response on the Parliament’s website.
The ministry was responding to Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Anak Brodi (GPS–Sri Aman) regarding the government’s strategy to capitalise on Australia’s intention to boost investment and trade with Malaysia, including the strategic sectors that are the main focus for Australian investors.
MITI added that both countries are refining the Stage One report of the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) as an important basis for upgrading the free trade agreement to the next phase, making it more relevant to the new economic landscape.
The agreement is also expected to provide direction for expanding market access, enhancing modern trade regulations, and driving cooperation in strategic industries.
In the context of the digital economy, the ministry added that Malaysia is a strategic destination for Australian investment in data centres, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cybersecurity.
It said this strategy aligns with the implementation of Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and the National Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) initiative.
Meanwhile, MITI said the government has identified strong potential for cooperation with Australia in food security and agri‑technology sectors, including smart farming, food processing, halal certification, and strengthening regional supply chains, as well as in life sciences sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology.
“This focus aims to enhance the country’s economic resilience and food security,” it added.
