EIGHT multinational corporations (MNCs) have closed their factories in Malaysia, according to a parliamentary written reply by the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).

Malaysiakini, which sighted the written reply, reported that the eight are Rubicon Technology Inc, Seagate Technology PLC, British American Tobacco (BAT), Samsung, Amphenol Corp, Fairchild Semiconductor International Inc, STR Holdings Inc and SunEdison Semiconductor Ltd.

The written reply was to a question by Ranau MP Ewon Ebin, who sought clarification on reports that several MNCs had wound down their operations in Malaysia.

Some of these closures were reported in 2015 and 2016.

The ministry’s written reply said other MNC factories, like Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Suzuki Motor Corporation and Western Digital, were still operating in the country although their companies are being restructured.

The closure of the eight factories involved RM5.4 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and the loss of 6,412 jobs.

“Among the reasons for winding down are weak markets due to disruptive technology, acquisition by other companies and restructuring to ensure international competitiveness,” it said.

Miti also said there were 5,000 new projects involving RM207.9 billion in FDI in 2016, which created 53,060 new jobs. – December 30, 2017.