East Coast and East Malaysian MSMEs Thrive with Enhanced Logistics Solutions

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.

From Night Markets to Nationwide Success: How E-Commerce is Changing Lives Across Malaysia

 Behind every online purchase is a story of determination, resilience, and dreams realised. For many Malaysian entrepreneurs, platforms like Shopee have become catalysts for transforming humble beginnings into nationwide success stories. With robust logistics programmes and seamless nationwide connectivity, Shopee empowers local sellers to expand their businesses beyond traditional boundaries while providing buyers with unparalleled convenience, trust, and satisfaction.

Entrepreneurs like Muhammad Afiq bin Mohamad Arshad and Faizah Milin of A&F Berkat Borneo, Sarini Zainal Abidin of The Pastels Shop, and Suriana Ali Endut of Kimchi Suren Suria, are reaching new heights. Their inspiring stories highlight how  Shopee is helping to connect them with customers across the country by fostering community growth and bringing joy with every package delivered.

“Our mission is to support the dreams of sellers and meet the needs of buyers. Stories like those of Afiq and Faizah, Sarini, and Suriana inspire us to continue innovating and investing in solutions that make a positive difference in people's lives. As Shopee continues to expand its services and capabilities, we remain committed to fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the shopping experience for all Malaysians,” said Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at Shopee Malaysia.

A&F Berkat Borneo, founded by Afiq and Faizah from the Klang Valley, transitioned from selling dried produce and specialty goods  at local night markets to establishing a thriving online business on Shopee. In the past, the couple’s business was often affected by unpredictable weather and customer turnouts, making financial stability a constant struggle. Seeking a more reliable path, they turned to Shopee in 2018, where they experienced remarkable growth –  from RM80,000 in their first year to a projected RM500,000 by the end of 2024.

“We used to worry whenever it rained. Fewer customers meant less income, which made it challenging for us to support our family. Shopee has opened doors we never knew existed. Their logistics solutions have revolutionized our business, enabling us to efficiently deliver our products to customers across Malaysia. Now, even on rainy days, we can connect with key markets like Johor, giving us a more stable income that has truly changed our lives in ways we never imagined,,” said Faizah, co-founder of A&F Berkat Borneo.

Their expansion has benefitted not only their business but also elevated the shopping experience of their customers. Fatiha, a 35-year-old analyst from Kajang and frequent buyer from A&F Berkat Borneo, shared: “Shopee’s fast delivery consistently exceeds my expectations. I can always count on receiving good products that are ready to use, which is essential for my cooking. The convenience  and reliability keep  me coming back for more. I also appreciate the detailed product information and how easily I can reach out to Mr. Afiq through the chat function on Shopee for advice and recommendations. It truly makes the entire shopping experience effortless and enjoyable.”

A&F Berkat Borneo's success has also benefited suppliers from Kedah, Perak, Penang, and Johor. Increased demand has enabled these suppliers to expand operations, hire new staff, and invest in better transportation. Beyond scaling their business, Afiq and Faizah are also empowering housewives in their community by mentoring them on how they can earn side incomes through Shopee’s Affiliate Program, promoting  financial independence and contributing to the overall growth of their community.

Meanwhile, The Pastels Shop, founded by skincare enthusiast Sarini Zainal Abidin, leveraged Shopee’s logistics infrastructure to scale nationwide. What began as a local business has now grown to include a flagship store and a warehouse, creating over 70 part-time jobs, especially for residents in  areas such as Banting and Shah Alam.

"Shopee's robust and expansive logistics network was key to our growth, helping us scale our operations while contributing to local job creation," said Sarini. Despite their Klang Valley base, Shopee’s reach allowed them to penetrate competitive markets like the East Coast, effectively overcoming logistical challenges to deliver skincare products efficiently and reliably.

Customer trust has also been instrumental in their success. Hanisah, a 24-year-old student from Kuala Lumpur, shared: “Shopping on Shopee gives me peace of mind. I can easily manage and track my orders. My purchases from The Pastels Shop usually arrive within 1-2 days, and I love the 15-day free returns policy, which means I can return products with no questions asked if needed. It makes the whole experience even more stress-free.”

Hanisah, a loyal follower of Sarini since 2019, also enjoys engaging with the brand through Shopee Live. “The live sessions offer great insights and exclusive deals. While I love testing product formulas and textures in stores to find the right fit for my skin, I always choose to buy on Shopee for the great discounts and reliable delivery. It just makes shopping so much easier.”

Kimchi Suren Suria, a home-based kimchi business led by Suriana Ali Endut, also scaled rapidly through Shopee’s support. Suriana has adeptly navigated the complexities of shipping  perishable goods like kimchi to distant regions, including Sabah and Sarawak, turning logistical challenges into opportunities for growth.

"Shopee’s logistics network enabled us to ship our kimchi nationwide, even to remote areas," said Suriana. This strong logistical support not only broadens her customer base but also fosters meaningful connections with food enthusiasts across the country. This capability has helped her set her brand apart from others, enabling her to reach customers who previously had limited access to quality kimchi. Thanks to her improved earnings from Shopee, Suriana has also been able to invest in better equipment, improving production efficiency. The financial stability gained has also helped her to  secure a car loan, enhancing both her business operations and personal mobility.

As Malaysia’s leading e-commerce platform, Shopee continues to innovate and collaborate with key logistics partners to ensure faster, more reliable deliveries for 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.

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