BAYAN LEPAS, August 28 — Penang has continued to cement its standing as a global investment hub, recording RM12.5 billion in approved manufacturing investments in the first half of 2025 — a 150% surge compared to the same period last year.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) dominated with RM10.5 billion, or 84% of the total, led by the United States, China, and the Cayman Islands, which together accounted for 60% of inflows. On the domestic front, approved investments reached RM2 billion, marking a 51% year-on-year rise.
According to MIDA, Penang contributed 18% of Malaysia’s total approved manufacturing investments, ranking as the second-highest nationwide, with inflows spanning 86 projects and set to create 11,116 new jobs.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised the strong momentum despite global uncertainties surrounding tariffs and trade policies, highlighting that investors’ confidence reflects Penang’s five decades of industrial excellence, robust supply chain, and skilled talent pool.
He extended appreciation to investors, MIDA, and InvestPenang for their collaboration, adding that the investments — concentrated in Electrical & Electronics, Machinery & Equipment, and Chemicals & Chemical Products sectors — underscore Penang’s resilience as a critical node in the global value chain and its dual appeal for both new ventures and expansion projects.
