MIDA Reports First Half 2023 Investments Inflow Into Malaysia to Generate Over 50,000 Jobs
Kuala Lumpur, 17 September 2023
Malaysia has attracted a total of RM132.6 billion (USD28.4 billion) worth of approved investments in the services, manufacturing and primary sectors involving 2,651 projects from January to June 2023 and is expected to create 51,853 job opportunities in the country.
The investments are a vote of confidence in Malaysia's economy and its offerings to investors, including:
a. A Government that supports and develops pro-business policies, and continuously enhances the ease of doing business in Malaysia;
b. A strategic location in Asia with strong growth potential;
c. A trusted hub for ecosystem, supply chain, capital, talent, flows of goods and data; and
d. Growing innovation capabilities.
YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), said, “Despite global demand slowdown and a higher interest rate environment in key markets, Malaysia managed to attract approximately a similar amount of approved investments in 1H2023 year-on-year, reflecting confidence in the nation’s economic growth prospects. Notably, direct domestic investment increased by 58%, and represented over 52% of approved investments which, to us, is a clear vote of confidence in the MADANI Economy policies. The total approved investments are also set to create at least 50,000 jobs for Malaysians.”
“I am pleased with our achievement in 1H2023, securing RM132.6 billion, representing 60.3% of our annual target. This achievement closely mirrors our ten-year average of RM222.6 billion, emphasising our consistent efforts in attracting quality investments and driving economic growth. With stronger growth expected in the second half, I am confident we will be able to achieve our target for this year.”
"As various global supply chains shift to Asia, our key aim is to position Malaysia as a regional hub for both international companies and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their footprint in Asia. To that end, the recently unveiled New Industrial Master Plan 2023 (NIMP2023) represents a pivotal step in Malaysia's journey toward sustainable industrial transformation and enhanced global competitiveness. NIMP2030 represents a whole-ofnation effort towards proactively integrating our SMEs into regional and global supply chains, as well as fostering improved economic cooperation with neighbouring nations. These are set to strengthen the investment ecosystem, fostering investor confidence and further edifying Malaysia's position in the regional investment landscape,” added the MITI Minister.
Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) accounted for 52.2% of the total approved investment, or RM69.3 billion (USD14.8 billion). This is a remarkable surge of 58.2% from the same period in 2022, underscoring the competitiveness of local players. The strong performance of DDI was driven by investments in the services sector, particularly real estate and primary sector. The government's commitment to ensuring quality housing for rakyat has been a major factor in this growth.
MITI and MIDA remain steadfast in their commitment to achieving a balanced blend of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and DDI. This balance is clearly demonstrated in the amount of FDI, which contributed 47.8%, or RM63.3 billion (USD13.6 billion) to the approved investments.
Singapore is the leading source of FDI with approved investments totalling RM13.7 billion (USD2.9 billion). The nation has also attracted quality investments from other countries, such as Japan (RM9.1 billion) (USD2.0 billion), The Netherlands (RM9.0 billion) (USD1.9 billion), the People's Republic of China (PRC) (RM8.4 billion) (USD1.8 billion), and British Virgin Islands (RM7.1 billion) (USD1.5 billion).
Five states have recorded significant approved investments, namely Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (RM31.7 billion) (USD6.8 billion), Selangor (RM29.7 billion) (USD6.4 billion), Kedah (RM14.6 billion) (USD3.1 billion), Johor (RM14.2 billion) (USD3.0 billion), and Sabah (RM9.0 billion) (USD1.9 billion). Together, these top five states accounted for an impressive 74.9% of the total approved investments.
To read the full report, follow this link
The information has also been prepared in inforgraphic form here