Malaysia’s RM285.2 Billion Approved Investments In 9m 2025 Up 13.2% Y-O-Y, Defies Global Headwinds, Creates Over 150,000 Jobs

Malaysia’s investment performance has proved strongly resilient in a turbulent global environment. The country attracted RM285.2 billion in approved investments during the first nine months of 2025 (9M 2025), a 13.2% increase year-on-year from the previous year. The 4,874 approved projects span manufacturing, services, and primary sectors. The approvals cover a projected employment creation of over 152,700 new jobs, reflecting the scale and sectoral breadth of investors’ interests in Malaysia’s economy.

Foreign Investments (FI) surged 47.5% year-on-year, with gains across all three (3) sectors: services climbed 122.0%, manufacturing advanced 9.2% and primary industries grew 56.6%

Meanwhile, the top five (5) states that have recorded significant investment value include:

The services sector secured RM187.9 billion in approved investments, representing 65.9% of total approved investments across 3,969 projects. This marked an increase of 19.8% year-on-year, with an estimated 80,066 jobs to be created. The sector’s dominance reflects Malaysia’s growing importance as a regional hub for data centres, digital infrastructure, and corporate headquarters, as well as the continuing expansion of its financial services and logistics capabilities.

Domestic Investments (DI) contributed RM111.8 billion (59.5%) while FI contributed RM76.1 billion (40.5%). This healthy balance reflects the broad-based appeal of the sector and sustained confidence among both foreign and domestic investors.

An example of a notable project elevating Malaysia’s services sector is MF Solar Tronoh Sdn. Bhd., which is investing RM123 million in a renewable energy generation facility in Tronoh, Perak. The project will generate clean electricity through solar power technology, contributing to Malaysia’s green energy transition.

The manufacturing sector attracted RM93.8 billion or 32.9% of total approved investments across 885 projects expected to generate over 72,600 jobs. FI dominated at 77.9% (RM73.1 billion), with DI contributing RM20.7 billion (or 22.1%). The share of higher-skilled roles continues to rise, with the managerial, professionals/technical and supervisory (MTS) index reaching 45.0%, reflecting Malaysia’s continued ability to attract higher-value and technology-intensive manufacturing activities.

• JXR Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.: JXR is investing RM5.76 billion in an advanced mineral processing facility in Kemaman, Terengganu. The plant will produce alumina, positioning Malaysia as a key player in critical minerals processing for advanced manufacturing and green technology applications. 

• Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd & PROTON Tanjung Malim Sdn Bhd (PROTON): The national carmaker is investing RM1.29 billion to expand its manufacturing complex in Tanjong Malim, Perak. The investment will enhance production capabilities for new energy vehicles and their components, including transmission and their components, alongside expanded capacity for passenger cars, and multi-purpose vehicles, as well as casting components, and metal stamping parts. The project positions Malaysia’s automotive sector to support the transition to electric mobility, while further strengthening the country’s manufacturing ecosystem. 

• Ferrotec Silicon Materials Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.: The company is investing RM256 million to expand its facility in Pasir Gudang, Johor. The plant will produce silicon products and components for semiconductor chips fabrication, reinforcing Malaysia’s precision manufacturing and semiconductor ecosystem.

The primary sector secured RM3.5 billion in approved investments across 20 projects, mainly in mining activities. The approved investments are dominated by domestic sources with RM1.9 billion (53.1%), while foreign sources contributed RM1.6 billion (46.9%), reflecting stable investor participation in the sector.

Malaysia’s pipeline of projects remains robust. As at 9 November 2025, MIDA was facilitating 192 potential projects valued at RM39.0 billion, led by the services sector with 119 projects (RM24.4 billion), followed by manufacturing with 73 projects (RM14.6 billion).

MIDA is also engaged in discussions on an additional RM39.4 billion in high-impact investment leads—signaling sustained investor interest and confidence in Malaysia’s pro-business policy environment and long-term economic direction.

Between 2021 to September 2025, the National Committee on Investment approved 4,378 manufacturing projects. Of these:

Over 90% of manufacturing projects approved between 2021 until 2024 have been implemented. Meanwhile, 87.2% of 2024 projects and 58.7% of January – September 2025 approvals are already progressing, a commendable rate given the typical lead time of 18 to 24 months for manufacturing developments.

The consistently high implementation rates reflect investor confidence, policy stability, efficient investor support services, and effective inter-agency coordination. The MADANI Government’s strategic reforms, crystal-clear focus on high-impact sectors, and streamlined investor facilitation are ensuring that each project creates quality employment, builds local capacity, and contributes to a sustainable, high-value economy. 

This whole-of-government approach positions Malaysia as a preferred destination for quality investment today and for generations to come.