Malaysia’s digital landscape keeps evolving rapidly.
Every year, more businesses rely on online channels to reach customers, and every click tells a story about how Malaysians browse, buy, and engage.
Still, many brands use outdated global data that misses the local picture.
In 2025, understanding digital marketing statistics in Malaysia will be key for marketers who want to make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Let’s look at 10 statistics that reveal what’s shaping digital marketing right now, with insights you can apply immediately.
Table of Contents
1. 96% of Malaysians Access the Internet via Mobile
Mobile leads everything. According to DataReportal 2025, almost all Malaysians now access the internet through mobile devices. That level of adoption changes how businesses design and deliver experiences.
People expect sites to load quickly, videos to play smoothly, and forms to fill easily on small screens.
Brands investing in mobile-first design and lighter media formats see better engagement and conversions.
If your pages feel slow or cluttered on a phone, users move on. Review your speed, responsiveness, and content layout.
You can also explore why mobile optimisation matters most through this guide on mobile first design.
2. Social Media Penetration Reaches 87%
Social media dominates everyday communication in Malaysia. The latest social media statistics show that 87% of users are active on at least one platform daily, spending around two and a half hours scrolling, chatting, or watching.
The most used platforms include Facebook in Malaysia, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn where each serves different audiences.
TikTok continues to grow quickly, especially among Gen Z, while Facebook and Instagram maintain influence across working professionals and SMEs.
For marketers, that means audience segmentation is essential. Tailor your content style, tone, and posting time for each platform.
If you’re building campaigns, you can learn more through our social media marketing services designed around Malaysian user behaviour.
3. Google Remains the #1 Channel for Lead Discovery
Most online journeys still start with a search. Google holds over 95% of Malaysia’s search market share, according to recent media consumption reports.
Around 8 in 10 Malaysians use Google when researching a product, service, or company. That makes SEO and consistent visibility essential for generating leads.
Businesses that rank for local intent terms such as “near me” or “best supplier Malaysia” attract buyers at the right stage of decision-making.
If you want to improve your presence in these searches, explore SEO Services Malaysia tailored for local audiences and bilingual search patterns.
4. Video Content Drives 65% Higher Engagement
Video continues to outperform all other content formats. Data from Hashmeta 2025 shows that Malaysians engage 65% more with video posts than with text or static images.
Short-form content rules platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Brands using customer stories, product explainers, or festive greetings in local languages see higher watch-through rates.
A good example is how small cafés and lifestyle brands in Kuala Lumpur use storytelling clips to connect emotionally while showcasing products.
To plan similar campaigns, have a strong video making team that supports visual storytelling that builds trust and conversions.
5. Paid Ads Cost Per Click Rises by 12%
Competition in paid media keeps increasing. Data from regional ad networks shows that cost-per-click (CPC) on Google Ads and Meta platforms rose by about 12% during the past year.
That rise doesn’t mean advertising is less effective. Whereby it means marketers need smarter targeting.
Segment audiences, test different creatives, and use analytics to spot which ads truly perform.
Pair paid search with remarketing campaigns and landing pages optimised for conversions.
If you’d like some direction, our team can help refine your Google Ads campaigns through smarter bid strategies and creative testing.
6. E-Commerce Transactions Grow 14% Year-on-Year
Online shopping in Malaysia continues to expand. The digital economy saw e-commerce transactions grow by roughly 14% compared with the previous year, driven by Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Businesses selling directly through their own sites also benefit. Buyers increasingly value smoother checkout flows and transparent delivery tracking.
This growth highlights the importance of user-friendly design, clear calls-to-action, and payment flexibility.
If you plan to scale your online store, learn more about E-Commerce website design approach that supports local payment gateways and responsive layouts.
7. Local Content Performs 2.3x Better in Click-Through Rates
Malaysia’s diverse culture shapes how people respond online. Localised visuals, festive greetings, and bilingual captions typically deliver more engagement.
Campaigns referencing Ramadan, Deepavali, or Malaysia Day often achieve double the click-through rates of generic global posts. Users connect with familiar symbols and tone.
This behaviour reinforces the value of cultural relevance in content marketing. Even small tweaks like including Bahasa Melayu phrases or local scenery improve relatability.
8. 72% of Businesses Now Track ROI with Analytics
Tracking performance has become standard practice. Around 72% of Malaysian businesses now measure marketing ROI through analytics dashboards or integrated CRM systems.
Tools such as Google Analytics 4, Meta Insights, and conversion tracking help teams identify what drives real leads.
This adoption reflects a shift towards data-driven decisions rather than guesswork.
If you’re unsure how to structure reporting, review SEO Packages Malaysia . As they include setup for traffic and conversion monitoring suited to SMEs.
9. Email Marketing Still Delivers the Best ROI
Email remains one of the most reliable digital channels. Global studies (Campaign Monitor, 2024) show an average ROI of 36 times every ringgit invested, and Malaysian businesses report similar performance.
Well-timed newsletters and product updates keep your audience informed while nurturing trust.
The key is segmentation and personalisation by using first-party data to tailor messages by interest or purchase stage.
Automated welcome sequences and re-engagement flows often outperform generic blasts.
You can explore structure ideas and examples through email marketing strategies built for Malaysian businesses.
10. 68% of Marketers Plan to Increase Digital Spend in 2025
Budget allocation reflects confidence in online growth. According to local surveys, nearly seven in ten marketers intend to raise their digital budgets this year.
Priority areas include automation, predictive analytics, and AI-driven personalisation.
Brands that test early with smart bidding or conversational AI see stronger results in brand awareness and customer retention.
This shift underlines that digital marketing in Malaysia is central to every business strategy. For practical support, visit our digital marketing agency page to see how integrated campaigns are designed.
Turn Malaysia’s Digital Marketing Insights into Real Results
Data only matters when it leads to action. These digital marketing statistics in Malaysia show how behaviour, technology, and creativity continue to blend into a powerful ecosystem.
The patterns are clear. Malaysians are mobile, social, and video-driven. They value fast experiences, local stories, and clear communication.
Brands that adapt quickly will gain the advantage as the digital economy expands.
If you’d like to see how these insights apply to your own campaigns, Contact Newnormz for a quick audit and customised growth plan.
