Inside the Raya cart: How Malaysia and Indonesia are spending this festive season

Inside the Raya cart: How Malaysia and Indonesia are spending this festive season

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, households across Malaysia and Indonesia are already feeling the buzz of excitement. For many, this is not just a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, but also for family reunions, celebrations—and a whole lot of shopping.

So, how are Malaysians and Indonesians preparing for Hari Raya 2025? We polled over 1,007 respondents in both countries and uncovered some fascinating insights about their shopping habits—whether it's picking out the perfect baju Raya or filling their homes with festive treats and hampers.

Early birds get the baju

One thing’s for sure: shoppers aren’t leaving things to the last minute. Many have already marked their calendars for March, with 39% planning to start shopping for their Hari Raya outfits then. Indonesians seem a little more eager—42% say they’ll start early—while 36% of Malaysians are doing the same. But not everyone’s caught up in the shopping frenzy. A significant 28% told us they’re skipping new clothes altogether this year, choosing instead to rewear their existing outfits. This sentiment is stronger in Indonesia, where 33% plan to reuse clothes, compared to 22% in Malaysia.

Still, for those hitting the stores, both online and offline avenues are buzzing. In Indonesia, 31% of people are shopping completely online, while another 21% plan to mix online browsing with offline visits to malls or bazaars. Malaysians, on the other hand, are a little more balanced—19% are all-in on online shopping, but 36% prefer combining it with traditional retail experiences. And when it comes to devices, it’s no surprise: smartphones dominate the scene. Nearly everyone shops from their phone—98% of Indonesians and 97% of Malaysians say it’s their go-to device.

When asked where they’re shopping, Shopee comes out on top. It’s the clear favorite across both countries, with 84% of respondents doing their Raya clothes shopping there. Malaysians also favor Lazada (32%) and Zalora (14%), while Indonesians are split between Shopee and Tokopedia (36%). Social media shopping is on the rise too—33% of Malaysians are browsing Facebook and Instagram for the perfect Raya look, though only 7% of Indonesians are doing the same.

Hamper hunting and stocking up on festive essentials

But it’s not just clothes that are on the Raya checklist. Stocking up the household with festive treats, groceries, and hampers is another major task. Much like fashion shopping, most people are getting an early start on this, too. More than half of respondents (53%) say they’ll begin shopping for household needs and hampers in March. Indonesians are just as proactive as Malaysians here, with 53% and 52% respectively starting early to avoid the last-minute rush. Still, 16% of Malaysians and 12% of Indonesians admit they’ll leave it until April.

Interestingly, not everyone is buying hampers this year. 25% of Indonesians and 17% of Malaysians say they won’t be shopping for them at all. But for those who are, Shopee is again the most popular platform—83% are getting their hampers and household goods there. Tokopedia is a close second for Indonesians (41%), while Malaysians tend to browse Lazada (33%) for their festive buys. Social media is also becoming a popular place to shop for hampers in Malaysia, with 29% turning to Facebook and Instagram, compared to just 7% in Indonesia.

How they’re paying

Payment habits reveal an interesting contrast between the two countries. E-wallets are by far the most popular choice—63% of Indonesians and 54% of Malaysians prefer this method, valuing the convenience and speed it offers. In Indonesia, 59% of people still opt for cash on delivery, compared to just 29% in Malaysia. Malaysians lean more towards using debit cards (50%) and even credit cards (20%), while Indonesian shoppers rely far less on these options.

How much they’re spending

When it comes to spending, Malaysians seem more willing to splurge on both clothes and hampers. Only 19% of Malaysians keep their clothing budget at MYR 100 or less, while nearly half of Indonesians (48%) stay within this range. On the higher end of the scale, 16% of Malaysians are spending MYR 501 or more on their Raya outfits, compared to just 8% of Indonesians.

Although we didn’t capture exact numbers for hamper spending, trends indicate Malaysians are often buying higher-end hampers and gifts—especially through Lazada or social media sellers—while Indonesians focus more on household essentials and practical gifts that can be easily delivered.

The Raya shopping experience in 2025

From baju Raya to hampers filled with kuih and treats, both Malaysians and Indonesians are blending tradition with convenience. They’re starting early, shopping on their phones, and turning to platforms like Shopee to tick off everything on their Raya checklist. Malaysians are more likely to mix online with in-store shopping, while Indonesians embrace the full digital experience—often paying with e-wallets or cash on delivery.

But whether they’re spending big or staying budget-friendly, the spirit of Hari Raya shines through. Families are preparing to welcome their loved ones with open arms, delicious food, and festive celebrations—made even sweeter by a little smart shopping.

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