KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 13): Revenue for the services sector in Malaysia increased by 6.5% to RM441.3 billion in the second quarter of 2019 (2Q19), from RM414.2 billion in the same period last year, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM).

Meanwhile, on a quarterly basis, the total revenue recorded an increase of RM10 billion or 2.3% compared to RM431.2 billion in 1Q19.

In a statement today, Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the growth was driven by the Wholesale & Retail Trade, Food & Beverages and Accommodation segment, which increased by 6.4% to RM349.3 billion.

Besides that, the growth was also contributed by Information & Communication and Transportation & Storage segment, which recorded an increase of 6.9% to RM65.9 billion.

It was noted, however, that the year-on-year total revenue growth in 2Q19 at 6.5% is slower compared to 1Q19 at 7.0%.

"Salaries and wages paid also registered an increase of RM1.1 billion with a growth of 4.4% on year-on-year comparison, propelled by Wholesale & Retail Trade sub-sector with an increment of RM491.4 million or 4.1%," Uzir added.

On a quarterly basis, salaries and wages recorded an increase of 2.2% or RM531.1 million to RM25.2 billion.

The performance of the services sector is a quarterly publication by DoSM which encompasses Wholesale & Retail Trade; Information & Communication; Transportation & Storage; Food & Beverages; Professional; Private Health; Private Education; Accommodation; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; and Real Estate Agent sub-sectors.