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MALAYSIA’S motorcycle market has reached a historic milestone, with annual sales climbing to a record 700,000 units in 2025, as demand surges alongside the continued expansion of the gig economy.
According to research by Kenanga Investment Bank, the figure represents an 11 per cent increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing reliance on two-wheeled transport both as a primary mode of mobility and as a key income-generating tool.
Analyst Wan Mustaqim Wan Ab Aziz said the strong growth reflects the increasingly central role of gig-based work in everyday economic activity.
Motorcycles, he noted, have become essential to the country’s digital service ecosystem, particularly in supporting the rapid rise of delivery platforms and on-demand services.
“Hong Leong Industries is a very strong proxy for this surge in the gig economy, given the critical role motorcycles play in enabling online delivery transactions,” he said in a research note.
The company’s position is further strengthened through its association with Yamaha, which continues to dominate Malaysia’s motorcycle market with a share exceeding 50 per cent.
This sustained dominance reflects strong consumer confidence in the brand’s reliability, fuel efficiency and suitability for both daily commuting and commercial use, making it a preferred choice among gig workers and traditional riders alike.
Beyond mainstream models, analysts also point to growing opportunities in the premium motorcycle segment, where higher margins and consistent demand are attracting increased attention despite broader economic pressures.
At the same time, Hong Leong Industries is seen as well-positioned to capitalise on future growth, supported by a robust financial standing that includes an estimated RM2 billion in net cash, offering scope for strategic acquisitions and expansion.
The broader economic backdrop is also lending support to the sector. Malaysia’s labour market remains stable, with unemployment projected at around 3.0 per cent, helping to sustain consumer purchasing power.
Together, these factors are reinforcing motorcycles’ dual role in Malaysia as both an essential transport solution and a vital asset within the gig economy, underpinning continued resilience and growth in the sector. - April 24, 2026
