Penang Leads Malaysia With 52.6% of Exports in September 2026: What It Means for Property

By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 30 October 2026

Penang produced 52.6% of Malaysia’s exports in September 2026, by far the largest share of any state, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The state also led imports with 35.3%. Together, Penang, Johor and Selangor accounted for 80.5% of the country’s total trade for the month.

Here are the September figures, how Penang compares with the other states, and what the export boom means for property demand.

Malaysia’s trade in September 2026

Measure	September 2026	Change from September 2025
Total trade	RM396.5 billion	—
Exports	RM215.1 billion	Up RM75.9 billion (+54.5%)
Imports	RM181.4 billion	Up RM62.6 billion (+52.7%)

It was the first month in which Malaysia’s exports passed RM215 billion. From January to September, exports rose 34% to about RM1.57 trillion, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said on 29 October.

Top exporting states in September

State	Share of exports	Increase from a year earlier
Penang	52.6%	RM55.5 billion
Johor	17.5%	RM10.2 billion
Selangor	11.7%	RM4.1 billion
Sarawak	5.3%	RM3.5 billion
Kuala Lumpur	3.3%	RM2.1 billion

Penang also led imports with 35.3% (up RM37.2 billion), ahead of Johor (24.2%) and Selangor (19.5%).

Penang’s exports in numbers

September 2026: about RM113.2 billion, up 96.2% year on year (Chow Kon Yeow).
January–August 2026: about RM606 billion, 45% of the national total.
Electrical and electronics (E&E): close to RM500 billion in the first eight months, up 90% year on year.
Manufacturing investment: RM17.3 billion approved in the first half of 2026, the highest of any state.

Chow said the strong numbers came despite global uncertainty, shifting trade policies and shipping disruptions, and urged businesses to diversify their markets so they do not rely on any one country.

What it means for Penang property

Most of Penang’s exports are electronics and semiconductors made in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone on the island and in the industrial parks of Batu Kawan, Bukit Minyak and Seberang Perai on the mainland. When factories ship more, they hire more engineers, technicians and production staff, and many of them rent or buy homes near work.

The areas closest to the factories are where that demand shows first:

Bayan Lepas and Bayan Baru, next to the Free Industrial Zone and the airport. See Maldives Residence (RM498,000–RM550,000), The Pier (from RM856,620) and the Bayan Lepas area page.
Batu Kawan, next to the Batu Kawan Industrial Park. See VERSA (from RM453,000), Vi Residence (RM480,000–RM580,000) and the Batu Kawan area page.
Simpang Ampat, a short drive from Batu Kawan. See Forescape @ Metrioplace (RM543,000–RM666,000) and SA Terraces (from RM681,888).

For recent factory news, read about PEN S J’s US$70 million plant in Batu Kawan. Business owners looking for space can browse our Penang industrial projects.

Frequently asked questions

What share of Malaysia’s exports came from Penang in September 2026?

52.6%, the highest of any state, according to DOSM.

Which states export the most?

In September 2026: Penang (52.6%), Johor (17.5%), Selangor (11.7%), Sarawak (5.3%) and Kuala Lumpur (3.3%).

How much did Malaysia export in September 2026?

RM215.1 billion, up 54.5% from September 2025.

Why are Penang’s exports so high?

Penang is Malaysia’s main electronics and semiconductor manufacturing base. E&E exports were close to RM500 billion in the first eight months of 2026.

Looking for a home near Penang’s industrial areas?

I can send the latest price lists for new projects in Bayan Lepas, Batu Kawan and Simpang Ampat. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.

Sources

This article is general information based on DOSM data, state government statements and published reports as of 30 October 2026. It is not investment advice; project prices are indicative and depend on availability.