PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) delegates, led by Deputy President Dato’ Liew Bin, recently paid a courtesy visit to YBhg. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Chief Statistician of Malaysia, at the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) office here. This visit fortified strategic collaboration, ensuring a more refined and detailed approach to data collection and analysis within the retail sector.
MRCA, representing Malaysia’s retail businesses, has long advocated for more precise, retail industry specific data collection. DOSM, the national statistics agency that produces statistics that are of integrity and are reliable, user-oriented and timely for policy formation, development planning and national administration.
During the meeting, DOSM and MRCA discussed the implementation of a survey designed to focus on key areas of retail industry, such as the brick-and-mortar retail, food and beverage, e-commerce & digitalisation of retail and the expansion and development of franchises in Malaysia.
By leveraging MRCA’s over 500 members network, the survey aims to provide a detailed, segmented view of retail industry dynamics. The goal is to empower businesses with accurate data that facilitates strategic decision-making and growth planning.
Dato’ Liew Bin highlighted the significance of data-driven strategies in retail when he said: “Access to precise and timely data is crucial for businesses to navigate market shifts effectively. This collaboration with DOSM marks a milestone in equipping our industry with the right insights for sustainable growth.”
“With detailed statistics, we can better understand consumer behaviour, optimise supply chains, and create policy frameworks that directly benefit retailers and franchise owners,” he added.
Dr. Mohd Uzir agreed with Liew on the importance of enhancing Malaysia’s National Statistics System, noting, “Reliable and specific data is the foundation of a nation’s economic development. By strengthening our collaboration with MRCA, we aim to create a more detailed and actionable statistical framework for the retail sector. This collaboration will help in crafting policies that not only enhance local business sustainability but also position Malaysia as a competitive hub for franchise expansion.”
One of the anticipated benefits of this improved data collection is to attract industry players to major industry events such as the Franchise Expo Malaysia (FEM). This annual event serves as a crucial networking and knowledge-sharing platform, attracting franchise leaders, investors, and policymakers. This year the event will be held from 21st to 23rd August at the KL Convention Centre.
MRCA and DOSM will conduct follow-up meetings and workshops to ensure the collaboration on the survey’s effectiveness and to adapt strategies based on preliminary findings. This ongoing engagement reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the Malaysian retail sector.
By refining data collection methodologies and aligning efforts with the National Development Policy (NDP), this collaboration can deliver long-term benefits, including more comprehensive policy formulation, enhanced business support, and a more rapidly developing retail ecosystem. This visit marks an important step towards transforming the retail data landscape in Malaysia.
Also present were MRCA’s Secretary General Michael Liew, Deputy Treasurer General Christine Tan, Media Head and Council Member Stan Singh, and Secretariat member Sheetal Kaur.