KUALA LUMPUR (June 19): Malaysia’s new vehicle sales fell in May amid long festive holidays though automotive firms expect sales to rebound in June.

Total industry volume came in at 61,250 units in May, a decline of 12% year-on-year and 15% month-on-month, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA). The trade association said Hari Raya Aidiladha, Pesta Kaamatan and Hari Gawai affected sales during the month.

“Sales is expected to regain its momentum back in June,” MAA said without elaborating further.

MAA represents more than a dozen domestic and foreign brands, assemblers, distributors and retailers.

Sales of passenger vehicles fell 11% year-on-year to 57,360 units while that of commercial vehicles dropped 26% to 3,890 units, according to MAA’s data. For the first five months of 2026, total industry volume slipped 1% to 315,568 units when compared to the same period last year.

Production in May declined 13% year-on-year to 57,489 units as output of both passenger and commercial vehicles declined. For the January-May period, production fell 4% to 287,477 units.