KUALA LUMPUR, December 8 — Malaysia’s investment momentum continued to defy global economic headwinds, recording RM285.2 billion in approved investments for the first nine months of 2025 — a 13.2 per cent year-on-year rise.
The bulk of the approvals came from the services sector at RM187.9 billion, followed by manufacturing with RM93.8 billion and the primary sector at RM3.5 billion. These 4,874 approved projects are expected to generate 152,766 new jobs nationwide.
Foreign investment accounted for RM150.8 billion, with Singapore, China, the United States, the British Virgin Islands and Japan emerging as the top sources. Johor led all states with RM91.1 billion in approved investments, driven largely by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
While Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah also posted strong numbers. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz said the performance reflects Malaysia’s strengthening position as a preferred regional hub for advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure and sustainable industries under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
The manufacturing sector secured RM93.8 billion in investments, dominated by foreign interests and boosted by high-value projects in semiconductors, mineral processing, automotive technology and food manufacturing.
The services sector, meanwhile, surged nearly 20 per cent year-on-year, supported by major developments in information and communications, real estate and utilities. With a robust pipeline of RM39 billion in potential projects and another RM39.4 billion in active investment leads.
Malaysia is poised to sustain its upward trajectory, backed by strong investor confidence, streamlined facilitation processes and high implementation rates of approved projects.
