Tablets Popular In Malaysia - Malaysians Have Bought 61 Percent More Units Of Tablets This Year

The sales figure for the tablet market in Malaysia has grown by 20 percent during the first five months of the year to reach $182 million, according to research company GfK. Nearly 450,000 units were moved, an increase of more than 170,000, or 61 percent, compared to the same period last year.

“The vast improvement in wireless broadband has increased the number of hotspots available [also] the high number of smart phones in the country facilitate tethering and do away with the need for an external Internet connection,” GfK managing director for Malaysia Selinna Chin said, according to the Jakarta Post.

At least 78,000 tablets had been bought every month in the first five months, with 97,000 bought in May alone, GfK retail audit findings showed.

The Malaysian market boasts 142 tablet models from 44 local and international brands, and that number will continue to increase.

“We predict more brands entering the Malaysian tablet market, giving the big players a run for their money,” Chin said. “Prices will continue to fall, along with the introduction of more new features to step up the intensity of competition.”

Over the last 12 months, the price of tablets has gradually declined from $497 in June 2012 to a low of $397 in May, a substantial price drop of 20 percent in a year.

“The immense popularity of tablets in Malaysia has intensified competition among key players who are offering new models and attractive promotions,” Chin said, according to the Jakarta Post.