A Feasibility Study of Wholesale Market in Malaysia: Stakeholders’ Perspectives

The wholesale and retail sector in Malaysia is closely interlinked and it is one of the most important economic activities that generate the source of income for the country. It is also a sector that is classified under the services sector. During the 10th Malaysia Plan, this sector recorded an annual average growth rate of 6.7% and its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) increased from 13.9% in 2011 to 14.7% in 2013. In the 11MP, the subsector is expected to achieve an average annual growth rate of 5.8% and accounted for 14.7% of GDP. A wholesale market feasibility study was conducted to identify the needs of consumers and stakeholders in the wholesale market. In particular, the study reviewed the strategic position (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) construction of wholesale markets and analysed the impact of the construction of wholesale markets in terms of market, technical, financial, and operating aspects on the socioeconomic development of the local population. Structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data from 15 respondents, 11 of whom from government agencies, 2 from an association, and 2 from the body politic. The interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Analysis was performed on the transcriptions by identifying themes, which were then analyzed using the software ATLAS.ti 7. The findings indicate that the construction of wholesale markets has a positive viability in terms of all aspects (market, technical, business model, management and economy / finance) and will have a positive impact on the country’s social and economic development, particularly that of the locals.