East Coast and East Malaysian MSMEs Thrive with Enhanced Logistics Solutions

Robust logistics programmes and networks connect entrepreneurs to new markets nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 October 2024 – As Malaysia’s e-commerce landscape continues to thrive, Shopee is helping sellers from the East Coast (EC) and East Malaysia (EM) connect with customers across the country. With 9 out of 10 Malaysians preferring online shopping over traditional retail, and more than half having adopted it permanently, Shopee is helping overcome geographical challenges by providing rural sellers with direct access to millions of buyers. 

This shift is especially critical for sellers in EC and EM, where 30% of the population resides but logistical challenges previously hindered growth. In 2023, experts estimated that Malaysia’s e-commerce market would grow by 7% annually, reaching RM1.9 trillion by 2027 from RM1.4 trillion in 2023. This surge highlights the rising need for efficient logistics, especially in connecting rural sellers from the East Coast and East Malaysia with buyers in major urban areas.

"Shopee is committed to empowering sellers from all corners of Malaysia. For sellers on the East Coast and East Malaysia, where geography may play a role in limiting their growth, we have cut delivery times significantly by working with top logistics partners. This allows our sellers to expand their reach and tap new markets in areas like Klang Valley faster than ever,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

Creating opportunities for business growth and family support

For many sellers, Shopee is more than just a platform for expanding their business – it is a lifeline that has reshaped their lives. Siti Nur Nazifa Mazlan, a seller from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, turned to Shopee during a challenging time after losing her parents. As the sole provider for her younger siblings, her income through her online business, CT Naz Empire Solution, has allowed her to support her family while building a thriving business.

"Shopee has given me the opportunity to support my siblings without leaving home. I can take care of them while building my business. It’s been life-changing,” Siti expressed. 

What started as a necessity quickly grew into a success story. With Shopee’s easy-to-use platform, CT Naz Empire Solution now serves customers from all over Malaysia. Beyond financial security, Shopee has empowered her to grow as an entrepreneur. "I have learned so much – from taking better product photos to improving my listings and sales," she added. Her journey has inspired friends and family, many of whom are considering starting their own Shopee stores.

Faster deliveries and broader reach through enhanced logistics

Shopee’s enhanced logistics capabilities have been pivotal in driving seller success outside of Klang Valley. By partnering with local logistics providers, Shopee has significantly strengthened delivery services across Malaysia. These collaborations have improved the overall user experience with faster, more reliable, and efficient deliveries. Now, Klang Valley buyers can expect their parcels to arrive from the East Coast in two days or less, and from East Malaysia between three to four days after the sellers have shipped their order.

This enhanced efficiency has enabled sellers like Muhammad Faizz, the owner of Keropok Mfaizz in Besut, Terengganu, to reach a broader customer base and scale his business. "Thanks to Shopee, our keropok lekor is now reaching customers in Selangor and Johor, something we never thought possible. With this expanded reach, I’ve been able to build my own home and provide jobs for 25 local workers," said Muhammad Faizz. 

Since joining Shopee, Faizz has fulfilled over 100,000 orders, with an average of 100 orders daily. Shopee’s logistics network, backed by local partnerships, has enabled Faizz to handle larger volumes while ensuring timely deliveries nationwide. "Shopee has given me financial stability that I couldn’t achieve relying only on local customers. Now, our business is thriving as we deliver across the country," Faizz added.

Puan Hamidah, owner of Sarawak Online Store, shared a similar story of growth. With 70% of her orders coming from West Malaysia, Shopee’s logistics network has allowed her to expand far beyond her local market. On peak occasions like Teacher’s Day, Hamidah’s business generates up to RM40,000 in sales, most of which come from customers in West Malaysia.

"Before Shopee, my business was confined to Sarawak. Now, I reach customers nationwide, and Shopee ensures my products arrive quickly, even during high-demand periods," Hamidah said. Thanks to this business growth, she has been able to employ three permanent staff members, including single mothers and orphans from the local communities of Kota Samarahan in Sarawak.

Her journey from a home-based business to a small production area located three hours from her home has been made possible through Shopee’s logistics support. "Shopee’s platform allowed me to grow my business beyond my home, enabling me to meet the growing demand across the country," Hamidah added.

As Malaysia’s leading e-commerce platform, Shopee continues to innovate and collaborate with key logistics partners to ensure faster, more reliable deliveries for both sellers and buyers across the nation. With its On-Time Guarantee, Shopee promises timely deliveries and offers compensation for delays, ensuring a seamless shopping experience. From enabling rural sellers to reach new markets to transforming local businesses into nationwide success stories, Shopee remains committed to driving economic growth and creating opportunities for all Malaysians, no matter where they are.

This year, with the bolstered logistics network and On-Time Guarantee, Shopee is poised to deliver exceptional value to consumers while providing sellers with the logistical support they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. 

Learn more about Shopee’s On-Time Guarantee feature at https://shopee.com.my/m/on-time-guarantee.

-END-

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena and SeaMoney.