Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s economy is exhibiting robust growth, and the MADANI Government remains focused on fostering sustainable and competitive economic progress to enhance the well-being of its citizens, particularly in rural regions, stated Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the findings from Bank Negara Malaysia’s Quarterly Bulletin for the Fourth Quarter of 2024, which reported a 5.0 percent economic growth in the last quarter of 2024 and an overall annual growth of 5.1 percent, up from 3.6 percent in 2023.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that these statistics demonstrate the resilience of Malaysia’s economy and the effectiveness of government policies in promoting sustainable growth. He stressed the importance of translating economic success into tangible benefits for the populace, such as increased job opportunities, business expansion, enhanced infrastructure, and an improved standard of living, especially for rural communities and the Bumiputera.
He noted the government’s dedication to improving fundamental infrastructure, including clean water supply, electricity, and Internet access, as more than eight million Malaysians live in rural areas. To bolster the economic standing of the Bumiputera, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, mentioned that strategic financing access will be enhanced through agencies like Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) to further economic empowerment.
Furthermore, through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council, the government is committed to developing a highly skilled workforce to meet the demands of expanding industries such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and smart engineering. Ahmad Zahid stated that this initiative will not only generate more job opportunities but also ensure Malaysia’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Additionally, he emphasized the significant potential of the halal industry as a critical component of Malaysia’s economic strategy. He called for strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global halal hub by enhancing the halal ecosystem, expanding export markets, and increasing Bumiputera participation in international trade, aiming to capture a share of the global sector valued at approximately USD 3 trillion.
Ahmad Zahid expressed optimism that Visit Malaysia 2026 would catalyze the tourism industry, focusing on ecotourism, agro-tourism, Islamic tourism, and cultural tourism to attract investment and high-value tourists to Malaysia.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to support the population, as evidenced by a significant increase in job opportunities. For the first time since 2018, private sector labor demand has surpassed 9.01 million, signaling a robust economic recovery following political uncertainty and the COVID-19 pandemic impacts.
Ahmad Zahid concluded by expressing confidence in Malaysia’s path towards sustainable and inclusive growth, stressing the necessity of strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and citizens to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are shared by all. He expressed his hope for a prosperous future for Malaysia, with collective efforts driving the nation forward.