Daiso opens RM1.2 billion Global Distribution Centre in Pulau Indah to supply 27 markets
Daiso Malaysia Group has opened its RM1.2 billion Global Distribution Centre in Pulau Indah, the Japanese retailer's largest warehouse worldwide. The automated facility will handle over 4,600 outbound containers annually to supply 27 countries and territories across Asia, the Middle East, Australia
PETALING JAYA (Nov 5): Daiso Malaysia Group Sdn Bhd has opened its RM1.2 billion Global Distribution Centre (GDC) in Pulau Indah, with the automated facility expected to handle more than 4,600 outbound containers annually to supply 27 countries and territories. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated at the opening on Thursday (Nov 5), saying goods would be stored, sorted and repacked in Pulau Indah before shipment overseas, allowing Malaysia to capture more value from international trade, FMT reported.
Located at Taman Perindustrian Samudera near Port Klang, the centre is the Japanese retailer's largest warehouse worldwide, according to The Edge Malaysia. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook cited the annual shipment forecast at the opening, saying the centre's proximity to Port Klang would connect sea freight, road transport and automated warehousing, FMT reported.
The opening brings into operation a development that Daiso originally planned as a five-storey reinforced-concrete warehouse on a 156,927 sq m site, equivalent to about 38.78 acres. In its May 2024 project announcement, Daiso said the centre would incorporate an automated storage and retrieval system to support overseas distribution and accommodate higher shipment volumes as its store network expanded. At that stage, it was intended to supply about 600 stores across 22 countries and territories in South-East Asia and the Middle East.
At the opening, Loke said the centre would supply 27 countries and territories across Asia, the Middle East, Australia and the Americas, according to a BH Online report reproduced by Media Perpaduan. The project also involved a RM595.38 million design-and-construction award to a joint venture between Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd and Kajima (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, according to Sunway Construction Group Bhd's 2023 annual report. That award covered the construction package, distinct from the RM1.2 billion investment reported at the opening. SunCon's project page records the warehouse as completed in 2026.
Daiso also exchanged a memorandum of understanding with PKT Logistics (M) Sdn Bhd at the opening, covering integrated warehouse management and regional freight forwarding, The Edge Malaysia reported. Anwar highlighted the participation of PKT Logistics Group and domestic transport companies in Daiso's warehousing, transport and distribution operations, RTM reported. He said the centre would help build local capabilities, encourage technology transfer and create higher-value jobs, according to FMT.
Loke said the Transport Ministry would continue streamlining port-clearance procedures, expanding road and rail connections, and accelerating the digitalisation of trade documents to improve logistics efficiency. He also urged the Finance Ministry to consider additional incentives to attract international brands to establish global distribution centres in Malaysia, according to the BH Online report reproduced by Media Perpaduan. Such investments would generate benefits beyond warehouse construction through employment and support for the wider logistics ecosystem, he said.
Beyond distributing merchandise to overseas stores, Anwar expressed hope that Daiso's international network would provide a route for more Malaysian-made products to reach consumers abroad.
