Retail sector takes viral and political blow

Retail Group Malaysia managing director Tan Hai Hsin

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) said the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and the change in government – both unexpected events – have affected retail consumption in the first two months of this year with retailers reporting a drop in sales of as much as 80%.

If unresolved over the next couple of months, it would “drastically” affect the retail consumption pattern, Retail Group Malaysia managing director Tan Hai Hsin(pic) said in his Malaysia Retail Industry Report for March 2020.