Penang Bags 83 Projects In 2025, 78 Pct Foreign Investment -- MIDA

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s key industrial clusters continue to gain depth and momentum, evolving into strong, self-reinforcing ecosystems that attract quality investments, with Penang securing 83 projects worth RM11.3 billion in 2025, with 78 per cent driven by foreign investors. 

This reflects sustained confidence in the state’s five-decade strength in electronics and its critical role in global technology supply chains, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said in a statement today, which announced the country’s record approved investment numbers.

“The automotive cluster in Tanjong Malim recorded six projects valued at RM3.6 billion, including new investments in electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturing, which reinforces Malaysia’s growing presence in next-generation mobility and clean transportation technologies.

“Meanwhile, the southern petrochemical cluster spanning Pengerang, Tanjung Langsat and Pasir Gudang attracted nine projects worth RM7.5 billion, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production -- positioning Malaysia in a niche expected to grow as aviation decarbonisation pressures mount,” it said.

MIDA said the primary sector recorded RM14.2 billion in approved investments, representing 3.3 per cent of the total approvals. 

It said that across 32 projects, the sector is projected to generate over 28 new jobs, with investments concentrated in mining (RM14.1 billion) and agriculture (RM51.4 million). 

“While modest in scale, the sector reflects continued strategic interest in resource-based and upstream activities,” it said.

The less developed states -- Perlis, Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, and Sarawak -- secured 941 projects worth RM66.0 billion in 2025, representing 15.5 per cent of total national approved investments, and projected to create 23,617 jobs, it said.

MIDA said Kedah led with RM27.8 billion, driven primarily by manufacturing activities, followed by Sabah (RM14.6 billion) and Sarawak (RM14.2 billion). 

Although disparities remain, it said the investment trajectory in these states is consistent with the National Investment Aspirations’ emphasis on inclusiveness and the priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030).

“Malaysia’s drive to attract quality and sustainable investments continues across global markets.  

“From 2025 to date, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade (MITI) and MIDA have undertaken 13 high-level overseas missions to key markets, including the United States, several European countries, and  China, complemented by strategic working visits led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” it said.  

These engagements have opened new pathways for investment opportunities worldwide, it said.

MIDA said this proactive outreach is reflected in Malaysia’s current investment landscape, with a strong pipeline of high-potential projects, reinforcing its position as a competitive investment destination. 

“As of Feb 2, 2026, MIDA is overseeing 172 pipeline projects with proposed investments totalling RM29.1 billion.

“Of these, 101 projects are in the services sector (RM18.4 billion), while 71 projects are in the manufacturing sector (RM10.7 billion),” it said.

Additionally, RM65.5 billion in high-potential investment leads are currently under active negotiation by MIDA, reflecting sustained investor confidence in Malaysia’s economic fundamentals, it said.

-- BERNAMA