Penang Continues To Drive National Economy, Records Investments Totalling RM63.96 Bln In 2025
GEORGE TOWN, May 8 (Bernama) -- Penang continued to serve as a driver of the nation’s industry and sustained its growth momentum by recording RM63.96 billion in approved investments last year, according to Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
He said the state is also recognised as one of the centres of high-impact technology and investment in the region, strengthening the state’s position as one of the main engines of Malaysia’s economic growth.
Tun Ramli said that based on data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Penang continued its excellent momentum in the investment sector in 2025, recording approved investments totalling RM63.96 billion.
He said that the state’s impressive economic performance is seen by achievements in investment and trade, which continued to record strong growth throughout the past year.
“The manufacturing sector remains the main driver with a value of around RM22.38 billion, driven by the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry, while the services sector recorded around RM41.22 billion, with significant contributions from the information and communication technology (ICT) subsector.”
“In terms of composition, domestic investment and foreign investment amount to approximately RM38.85 billion and RM25.10 billion respectively, reflecting a balanced confidence between local and international investors in the growth potential of this state,” he said in his opening speech at the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Penang State Assembly here today.
Tun Ramli said the state’s 2025 trade performance also showed commendable results to reach RM956.37 billion, an increase of 17.9 per cent compared to the previous year, according to a report by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
From that total, he said the state’s export value was RM573.91 billion, and imports amounted to RM382.46 billion, thus maintaining Penang as one of the main contributors to the country’s exports, with a share of around 35.7 per cent of Malaysia’s total exports.
Tun Ramli also informed that through the implementation of the Digital Economy Master Plan (DEMP) 2025-2030, Penang aims to contribute 35 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) from the digital economy by 2030, with the potential to attract RM20 billion in digital investments and create 50,000 high-skilled job opportunities.
“In the framework of that ecosystem, startups in this state continue to show positive development with funding amounting to RM23 million for the period from 2023 to early 2026.”
“During the same period, 300 startups have registered as of 2025, which is approximately 60 per cent of the Penang2030 target,” he said.
He said various state digitalisation initiatives continue to have a positive impact on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Penang, with more than 3,300 MSMEs benefiting by 2025, thereby increasing operational efficiency, strengthening competitiveness, and expanding the use of digital technology in their respective businesses.
Tun Ramli added that efforts to strengthen digital inclusivity are being enhanced through the DahDigital programme, which has benefited more than 3,300 participants through 140 classes across the state, improving digital literacy, expanding participation in the digital economy, and strengthening the foundation for state development.
-- BERNAMA