Perak Strengthens Its Position as a Hub for High-Value and Sustainable Investment

MIDA strengthened its collaboration with the Perak State Government and InvestPerak at Invest in Perak Day 2026, held on 20 August 2026, with discussions centred on high-value manufacturing, targeted industrial development and effective investment facilitation.

The event was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak, and attended by YB Dato’ Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, and YBhg. Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary-General of MITI.

The MIDA delegation, led by CEO YBhg. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, had an engaging and fruitful discourse with state agencies and industry leaders on opportunities to strengthen Perak’s investment ecosystem.

Perak has strong potential as a high-technology manufacturing hub, particularly in the semiconductor and electrical and electronics (E&E) sectors. Its strategic location allows the state to complement the established industrial ecosystems in Penang and Kulim. 

Key industrial locations include the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park, Kerian Industrial City, KLK Tech Park and Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park, providing opportunities to attract investments across different segments of the manufacturing value chain.

In southern Perak, the Muallim district continues to develop as a regional automotive hub. Supported by the strategic partnership between PROTON and Geely, the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) is expected to further strengthen the automotive supply chain.

MIDA highlighted the importance of adopting a targeted and niche-driven approach to industrial development, with each industrial park positioned according to its local strengths, infrastructure capabilities and supply-chain readiness.

Matching high-potential sectors to suitable locations would help attract strategic anchor investors, strengthen local supply chains and generate greater economic value across the state.

Developments such as the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park and Kerian Industrial City provide opportunities for Perak to strengthen its participation in the semiconductor value chain. Their proximity to Penang and Kulim, Kedah offers potential for activities such as advanced packaging and testing while strengthening the northern region’s wider industrial ecosystem.

Beyond the semiconductor industry, rare earth elements present another strategic opportunity for Perak. Discussions focused on attracting technology partners across the value chain to increase domestic value creation, strengthen technical capabilities and develop specialised talent.

Beyond attracting new investments, MIDA continues to support investors throughout the project implementation journey.

Under the New Incentive Framework for the manufacturing sector, MIDA outlines how investment projects are assessed based on measurable contributions to the country. These include technology adoption, high-value employment, local supply-chain development, economic complexity and sustainability.

MIDA also participated in business-clinic sessions alongside the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Lembaga Air Perak and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation.

The sessions provided investors with direct access to relevant agencies to address operational, infrastructure and regulatory matters that could affect project implementation.

The sessions provided investors with direct access to relevant agencies to address operational, infrastructure and regulatory matters that could affect project implementation.

Perak recorded RM15.8 billion in approved investments in 2025, reflecting continued interest from domestic and foreign investors.

Between 2021 and 2025, the state recorded RM25.9 billion in approved manufacturing investments. Of this amount, 67.9 per cent, or approximately RM17.5 billion, was either realised or under implementation

Invest in Perak Day 2026 reinforces the importance of close coordination among federal and state agencies, infrastructure providers and industry stakeholders. By aligning industrial development with sector-specific strengths and effective project facilitation, Perak can further strengthen its position as a competitive destination for high-value and sustainable investments.