Economists: 13MP Aims To Boost Malaysia's Competitiveness Through High-value Manufacturing
By Anas Abu Hassan & Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to enhance Malaysia's competitiveness by promoting high-value manufacturing through business and investor-friendly policies, say economists.
Putra Business School Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said that the 13MP, which serves as an indicative plan from 2026 to 2030, will help stimulate both domestic and foreign investments through policy reforms and incentives.
'The 13MP can position Malaysia as a leader by leveraging existing strengths in manufacturing and semiconductors, driving regional integration through ASEAN frameworks and adopting strategic regional positioning.
'It should also aim for the advancement of the semiconductor value chain and enhance regional supply chain resilience while not forgetting sustainability and inclusivity among the local businesses,' he told Bernama.
The 13MP document is scheduled to be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat sitting on July 31 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In addition, Ahmed Razman said the five-year strategic plan should also promote automation through incentives for technology adoption, support for workforce transitions, and clear and stable policies.
'The 13MP should accelerate digitalisation by investing in digital infrastructure, providing incentives for digital adoption, creating ecosystem and collaboration, as well as strengthening cybersecurity and data governance,' he added.
Meanwhile, Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the 13MP should prioritise creating and enabling an environment for free markets to thrive and for private enterprises to innovate, compete, and prosper.
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