KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 — TikTok contributed about RM20 billion in gross value added (GVA) to Malaysia’s economy in 2025, representing nearly four per cent of the country’s total digital economy, according to the Malaysia Socioeconomic Impact Report 2025 released by the platform.
The report said the ecosystem built around TikTok, TikTok Shop and TikTok LIVE supported more than 147,000 jobs nationwide through creators, sellers and businesses operating on the platform.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said Malaysia’s digital economy is entering a more critical and demanding stage of growth, where digital platforms are increasingly translating participation into tangible economic value.
“Platforms such as TikTok are expanding opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), empowering creators and opening new pathways for income and entrepreneurship,” he said during the launch of the report.
The findings align with national digitalisation priorities under MyDIGITAL, the National E-Commerce Strategic Roadmap and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, while also reinforcing the focus on creative and digital services outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Currently, about 1.8 million local businesses operate on TikTok Shop, reflecting the platform’s growing role in supporting enterprises with tools to expand their market reach.
The report noted that TikTok has been conducting nationwide training programmes to help MSMEs — including those in rural and semi-urban areas — develop skills in digital selling and content creation to drive online sales. The platform also continues to promote local businesses through the #JomLokal initiative, which provides incentives and training to boost their visibility and sales performance.
The study was conducted in collaboration with global consulting firm Kearney, involving a large-scale quantitative survey of ecosystem participants, including 1,003 users, 182 content creators and 163 businesses operating on TikTok Shop.
According to Gareth Pereira, the research indicates that TikTok has evolved beyond an entertainment platform to become a key economic catalyst that supports innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
Among the report’s findings, 97 per cent of businesses surveyed said TikTok is an important revenue source. Many respondents also reported gaining new skills through the platform, particularly in digital marketing, content creation and managing live selling events that connect directly with customers.
Meanwhile, Firdaus Fadzil said TikTok remains committed to fostering innovation, expanding inclusive access and supporting the long-term sustainability of Malaysian creators and businesses, particularly MSMEs.
“As the digital economy continues to evolve, we remain focused on building a trusted and inclusive ecosystem that generates meaningful economic value for the nation,” he added
