THE surge in Malaysia’s approved foreign direct investments (FDI) for the first half (H1) of 2021, which grew by 223.1% year-on-year, signals the confidence of foreign investors in the country’s stable and conducive economic climate and business ecosystem, said Minister of International Trade and Industry Mohamed Azmin Ali.

According to Azmin, this robust and impressive performance augurs well for Malaysia’s path to a vibrant and sustainable economic recovery.

“The stellar performance also demonstrates that Malaysia’s strategy of positioning the country as an attractive investment destination of choice and a supply chain hub in Asean, particularly for manufacturing operations, is showing positive results,” he said in a statement today.

Azmin added that FDI drove the strong and vibrant performance of the manufacturing sector during the period, registering RM58.2 billion in approved investments. Meanwhile, domestic sources contributed the remaining RM8.7 billion approved investments in this sector.

In terms of total approved investments, Malaysia recorded RM108 billion of FDI and domestic direct investments (DDI) in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors, chalking up a massive jump of 69.8% compared to the same period last year, according to the minister.

He said the investments, achieved amid a very challenging global economic landscape, involved 2,110 projects and are expected to generate 44,994 job opportunities.

“Leveraging the positive progress on the national recovery plan, improvement in the overall public health, and gradual reopening of economic sectors, Malaysia continues to attract high- value and high-tech investments, bolstered by our capacity and capability in providing high-skilled talents and firm readiness in adopting advanced technology for value-added industries,” he said.

In tandem with the country’s national investment aspirations, he said, Malaysia consistently pursues more capital-intensive projects and those that support the development agenda of the nation, consistent with environmental, social and governance goals.

This is reflected by the increasing number of capital-intensive projects approved by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Azmin said.

Simultaneously, he said there is an emphasis on creating jobs across a wide spectrum of skills for the rakyat.

In this regard, the senior minister said, the 367 manufacturing projects worth RM66.9 billion approved during H1 2021 will create 32,220 job opportunities in various positions and roles, leading on the path for high-value and skilled employment.

“These include 1,367 managerial positions and 4,031 technical professionals such as engineers in the field of electrical and electronics, mechanical, chemical and other disciplines, reflecting the higher value chain transition of the manufacturing sector.

“The approved manufacturing projects will also require 4,144 skilled craftsmen,” he said.

Meanwhile, domestic investments, leading in the services and primary sectors, totalled RM45 billion or 41.9% of the total approved investments in the six-month period.

Going forward, from the strategic vantage point of the investment aspirations, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry will continue to pursue high quality investments to bring value to the nation and people, not just in preserving jobs but in creating new high value-added employment, he said.

“We are committed towards positioning Malaysia as the ideal partner for investors in the region, enhancing our economic complexity and propelling long term growth for Malaysia through the flow of sustainable quality investments in new and complex growth areas,” Azmin added. – Bernama, September 13, 2021.