Anwar: Foreign investments fuel Malaysia’s economic rise
26 Feb 2025
Malaysia is a trading nation, and without incoming investment, some issues may remain unresolved, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The investments we secure can help address several issues, such as creating job opportunities and boosting the country’s economic capabilities.
“Alhamdulillah, we have achieved another record high growth in history. This achievement is critical for us.
“Investments from foreign companies such as Infineon, Microsoft, and Google will help build a network of young talent, much of which is trained by these companies.
“Moreover, our universities also need to adjust the courses they offer, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), connectivity, and food technology,” he said at a press conference at the end of his working visit to Vietnam today.
The prime minister said this when commenting on Malaysia’s record-breaking approved investment in 2024, which reached RM378.5 billion. This marks a 14.9 per cent year-on-year increase, with over 6,700 projects across key sectors.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) said that the total investment was expected to create more than 207,000 new jobs, strengthening Malaysia’s position as a major investment destination.
Despite facing ongoing global economic challenges, Malaysia continues to attract significant investments, with domestic investment (DI) contributing RM208.1 billion (55 per cent) and foreign investment (FI) contributing RM170.4 billion (45 per cent).
Foreign investor confidence in Malaysia remains robust, with strategic investments from five major countries: the United States (RM32.8 billion), Germany (RM32.2 billion), China (RM28.2 billion), Singapore (RM27.3 billion), and Hong Kong (RM7.4 billion).
Anwar also addressed comments regarding his series of overseas visits last year, which were criticised for their cost.
He said that these trips were for work purposes.
“Do I need to keep going overseas? Some have commented on the expenses.
“We arrive at the hotel, hold meetings, attend bilateral discussions — that’s our job. Once it’s done, we return straight away.
“I didn’t take a single day off to play golf,” he added.
Anwar said that there were plans for foreign leaders to visit Malaysia in the near future.
“We will receive a visit from South Africa in April. In addition, President Xi Jinping of China will also visit Malaysia.
“When we show friendship, they will come with business delegations that will provide exposure to opportunities in Malaysia,” he said.
Source: NST
