MALAYSIA – 60% of Malaysian consumers are proactively supporting local sellers ahead of Merdeka Day with #ShopeeSapotLokal, at the live reveal of the platform’s largest marketplace study this year, Celebrating the Heart of Malaysia on E-Commerce*, ahead of the company’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day.
When 3,356 consumers were asked “Why do you think it is important to support local sellers?” during the month leading up to Merdeka Day, 30% endorsed the quality of Made-in-Malaysia goods that cater to their local preferences, 20% stated that they want to keep the economy running for patriotic reasons and 8% were sellers supporting other local sellers in the same boat. 42% preferred shopping local to get their items delivered faster.
Among these respondents, half of them (54%) are working full time, 18% are in-between jobs, 17% are senior citizens, 6% are stay-at-home parents and 5% are university students.
Shopee also examined what Malaysians valued about online shopping. Over 70% of consumers surveyed estimated that their everyday online shopping transactions resulted in savings of over 5% consistently.
Economic uncertainty was the primary reason respondents valued every Ringgit saved, with 50% of buyers needing to reduce expenses in this environment, 14% not earning enough to cover essentials, 10% foreseeing major expenses in the coming months and 6% providing for multiple dependents.
“Interestingly, not all buyers prioritise discounts and vouchers exclusively. Seven in 10 Malaysians value peace of mind over lower price,” according to Kenneth Soh, Head of Marketing Campaigns at Shopee Malaysia.