Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) aims to establish a minimum of 3,000 smart factories by 2030 as part of Malaysia’s industrial transformation under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Secretary-General (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri emphasized that the initiative is not only about embracing digital transformation but also about creating high-skilled jobs, enhancing industrial resilience, and positioning Malaysia as a leader in advanced manufacturing. Nearly 500 companies have already benefited from the Intervention Fund managed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the goal is to reach 2,500 more by 2030. This fund provides financial assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for adopting Industry 4.0 technologies to transform into smart factories.
The NIMP 2030 serves as Malaysia’s national strategy to propel Industry 4.0 adoption among manufacturing and related services companies by facilitating the transition to smart manufacturing through automation, digitalization, and advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and robotics.
During the launch of the MIDF 2025 Roadshow, themed ‘Embracing Global Competitiveness: Future Ready and Halal Businesses,’ the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) introduced two key initiatives: the Future Ready Financing (FRF) and Halal Accreditation Technology Improvement (HATI) programs. These initiatives assist SMEs in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies and upgrading technology to meet halal certification standards, respectively.
Hanafi pointed out the significant financing required to achieve the smart manufacturing target under NIMP 2030, estimating the establishment of 3,000 smart factories at RM15 billion, considering an average cost of RM5 million per company. He stressed that commercial banks’ participation is crucial since the government alone cannot provide the necessary funds through grants or soft loans. Financial support is also vital for the growth of the halal industry, with involvement from institutions like MBSB Bhd being crucial.
In his keynote speech, Hanafi praised the FRF and HATI initiatives as pivotal for empowering SMEs to integrate new technologies and compete globally. He expressed confidence in strong collaboration between the government, industry players, and SMEs to drive Malaysia’s industrial transformation forward, ensuring businesses remain competitive and future-ready.