KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), in collaboration with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and SIRIM Bhd, has announced plans to implement a star rating system for industrial parks in Malaysia. Scheduled for introduction next year, the initiative aims to ensure all industrial parks in the country adhere to “acceptable standards,” according to MITI Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the forthcoming star rating system will assess industrial parks based on four key parameters: planning and management; infrastructure and business competitiveness; environmental sustainability; and social responsibility. These criteria will guide the evaluation process, promoting transparency and accountability in the sector. Liew noted that the guidelines would soon be integrated into the MYSite Selection Portal, providing investors with detailed and transparent assessments.

The MYSite Selection Portal, developed by MIDA, was launched alongside
the Malaysia Industrial Park Directory. The portal is designed to enhance industrial site selection in Malaysia by combining advanced geospatial analytics with comprehensive industrial data. It offers real-time information on industrial parks across Malaysian states, including infrastructure details, connectivity options, and sustainability metrics.

The directory, now in its second edition, offers detailed information about industrial parks nationwide. The launch event highlighted Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen its supply chain for various industries, including strategic sectors like semiconductors. The portal and directory are expected to enable investors to identify areas best suited for their operations, leveraging Malaysia’s mature manufacturing ecosystem.

MIDA’s CEO, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, emphasized that these tools are catalysts for smarter and more efficient decision-making within the industrial sector. Meanwhile, Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai, president of the Federation of Malaysi
an Manufacturers (FMM), underscored the directory’s role in guiding manufacturers to optimal locations that align with their strategic needs. He also encouraged Malaysian SMEs to collaborate with advanced international players to enhance efficiency, productivity, and technological adoption, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign labor while accessing global markets.