SEVERAL leading companies from China have decided to make Malaysia their regional hub, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department staff assembly in Putrajaya today, Anwar said more details would soon be released.

“Usually their regional hubs are in other countries or in neighbouring countriesl this is the first time several of the (Chinese) companies choose Malaysia as their regional hub,” said anwar, who recently visit China.

Anwar said he had informed to the Chinese companies investing in Malaysia that they must prioritise the hiring of locals.

However, Anwar said the government is prepared to quickly approve their applications to import workers from China provided they can prove that they are unable to find qualified Malaysians for the job.

He also proposed that companies such as Proton Holdings Bhd provide training for local workers so that they get priority in the hiring process before opportunities are opened to professionals from China.

Anwar’s recent China visit secured for Malaysia investment commitments worth a potential RM170 billion. He witnessed the signing of 19 memoranda of understanding between Chinese and Malaysian companies in various sectors, especially in green and digital technology. 

China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009. In 2022, bilateral trade reached RM487.13 billion, an expansion of 15.6% from 2021. – Bernama, April 3, 2023.