Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has spent a total of RM335 million, accounting for 89.6% of the RM374 million allocated for research and development, commercialisation, and innovation (R and D and C and I) programmes as of June 30, 2025. This expenditure is part of a broader financial framework under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), with a ceiling allocation of RM402 million approved until the same date.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin addressed the Dewan Rakyat, explaining the status of the remaining unreturned grants, which amount to RM55.64 million. This sum includes RM33.97 million under the High Impact Project Fund (HIF) by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and RM21.67 million by the High Value Added and Complex Product Production Development Programme (HVAD), both of which are ongoing efforts under the Ministry of Economy as per the MyProjek system approval.

Sim Tze Tzin clarified that the RM55.64 million remains unreturned because RM33.97 million from the HIF was allocated to fulfill project commitments that are still in progress. Additionally, the balance from the HVAD programme was utilized to support 28 new projects approved under the 12MP until October 31, 2025, amounting to RM20.7 million.

Sim highlighted the need for improved governance and streamlined approval processes through the myProjek system, as recommended by the National Audit Department. He emphasized that MITI plans to secure special approvals from the Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Finance for the continuation of the HIF and HVAD programmes to cover existing commitments beyond the current Malaysia Plan period. Any remaining funds will be returned upon the full completion of these programmes.