Malaysia remains attractive investment destination
MALAYSIA continues to draw strong investor interest despite global headwinds.
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) said that the country has secured RM89.8 billion in approved investments for the first quarter of 2025.
This marks a steady 3.7 per cent year-on-year increase, and is set to generate over 33,300 new employment opportunities for Malaysians.
Last year, Malaysia recorded RM378.5 billion in approved investments, the highest in the nation's history.
According to MIDA, foreign investments dominated the investment landscape for Q1 of 2025, contributing RM60.4 billion or 67.3 per cent of total investments, highlighting Malaysia's position as a top-tier investment destination.
REMAINING RESILIENT
Although Malaysia cannot escape shifts in the global economy, the country can prepare and remain resilient.
Economist Dr Geoffrey Williams said national stability — reflected in stable prices, consistent growth and predictable policies — is key to maintaining business and household confidence.
He added that such stability, supported by social cohesion and clear policies, underpins Malaysia's economic resilience and competitiveness.
Universiti Sains Malaysia political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said that stability builds trust and confidence, especially among investors and in terms of attracting foreign direct investment.
"Without stability, it sends various signals to investors, as though the environment is uncertain and trust in the government is eroding, even if much of it is sentiment or perception," the analyst added.
He said that the end result always becomes a benchmark or indicator of the government's strength.
"Political rhetoric, when backed by implementation, delivery systems, structures or trusted institutions that produce solid results, will attract investors, even more so if the policy is investor-friendly, with a flexible approach and mechanism," he explained.
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