Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has secured RM285.2 billion in approved investments from January to September 2025, marking a 13.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) highlighted the country’s economic resilience despite global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and tighter monetary conditions, emphasizing Malaysia’s ongoing attractiveness as an investment hub.
The services sector led the investment influx with RM187.9 billion, accounting for 65.9% of the total, followed by the manufacturing sector with RM93.8 billion (32.9%), and the primary sector with RM3.5 billion (1.2%). A total of 4,874 projects were approved across these sectors, anticipated to generate 152,766 new jobs, reflecting the robust interest from investors in Malaysia’s economic landscape.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz noted the significance of this performance as evidence that Malaysia’s economic strategies are effective. He highlighted that Malaysia is not only competing within ASEAN but also setting benchmarks in the region, attracting quality investments and providing employment opportunities that align with the country’s transition towards a high-value, knowledge-based economy.
Foreign investments showed a notable surge of 47.5% year-on-year, with significant increases in the services, manufacturing, and primary industries sectors. Singapore emerged as the largest contributor with RM52.7 billion, followed by China and the United States. Johor led regional investment with RM91.1 billion, thanks in part to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and its strategic location.
The National Investment Aspirations framework attracted RM137.9 billion, focusing on sectors expected to generate nearly 50,000 jobs. Projects under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and MIDA accounted for a significant portion of this, demonstrating the alignment of investment strategies with national development goals.
MIDA and MITI’s efforts from January to September 2025 included nine missions to various countries, resulting in 192 potential projects valued at RM39.0 billion in the pipeline. MIDA is also negotiating an additional RM39.4 billion in high-impact investments, underscoring sustained investor confidence in Malaysia’s pro-business environment.
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, MIDA’s CEO, emphasized the quality of investments being secured, which are enhancing Malaysia’s position in regional supply chains. The implementation rate of approved projects remains high, with more than 90% of manufacturing projects from 2021 to 2024 already implemented, reinforcing the country’s strong investment climate.