Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has successfully secured RM190.3 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2025 (1H 2025), representing an 18.7 percent increase year-on-year (y-o-y).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this surge in investment highlights the continued confidence of both foreign and domestic investors in Malaysia’s policies and industrial reform agenda.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz emphasized that the growth in approved investments reflects the strong economic fundamentals of the country, despite global challenges. He noted that the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and MIDA are collaborating with various ministries and agencies to expedite the implementation of these commitments for significant economic outcomes.
MIDA reported that 3,011 projects across manufacturing, services, and primary sectors are projected to create 89,294 new jobs, demonstrating Malaysia’s capacity to convert investment commitments into tangible economic benefits. Foreign investments witnessed a substantial increase of 43.5 percent y-o-y, driven by notable growth in the services, manufacturing, and primary sectors.
Singapore emerged as the leading source of foreign investments with RM43.4 billion, followed by China (RM23.4 billion), the United States (RM10.4 billion), the British Virgin Islands (RM6.6 billion), and Italy (RM3.3 billion). Johor led the regions with the highest approved investment value at RM56.0 billion, followed by Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Sabah.
The National Investment Aspirations (NIA) focus sectors contributed RM88.3 billion, or 46.4 percent, of the total approved investments, spanning 426 projects and expected to generate 33,891 new jobs. This underscores the alignment of the nation’s investment strategies with its development goals, MIDA added.
MIDA’s chief executive officer, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, highlighted the resilience of Malaysia’s investment performance amid a challenging global economic landscape. He pointed out that Malaysia’s economy expanded by 4.4 percent in the second quarter of 2025, maintaining strong investment momentum.
The services sector accounted for RM118.6 billion in approved investments, or 62.3 percent of the total, with 2,476 projects and a 25.6 percent y-o-y increase. It is expected to create 42,576 job opportunities. Domestic investments contributed RM66.6 billion, while foreign investments amounted to RM52.0 billion in the services sector.
In the manufacturing sector, Malaysia secured RM68.4 billion, or 36 percent, in approved investments with 518 projects. Foreign investments dominated this sector, contributing RM53.3 billion, while domestic investments accounted for RM15.1 billion.
The primary sector secured RM3.3 billion in approved investments, primarily in mining, with domestic sources contributing 54.2 percent and foreign sources 45.8 percent.
MIDA emphasized its role in facilitating investment projects through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre, which streamlines processes by bringing relevant agencies together to expedite decision-making and project implementation. This approach has enabled over 85 percent of manufacturing projects approved since 2021 to be implemented.
Looking ahead, MIDA affirmed Malaysia’s resilient investment outlook, supported by a robust pipeline of 385 potential projects valued at RM22.5 billion. Additionally, MIDA is engaged in discussions for RM103.8 billion worth of high-impact investment leads, reflecting sustained investor confidence in Malaysia’s economic direction.