KUALA LUMPUR, 7 AUGUST 2025 — The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) expects the approved investments in 2025 to reach RM104 billion, driven by robust activity in manufacturing and selected services sectors under the purview of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

According to Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, this projection accounts for GDP forecasts and ongoing project evaluations.

“In the first quarter of 2025 alone, approved investments totalled RM89.8 billion, marking a 3.7% increase from the same period last year,” Tengku Zafrul said while affirming that Malaysia’s investment outlook remains positive for the year despite global uncertainties such as escalating US tariffs.

He emphasised that the ministry is closely monitoring developments, particularly concerning exports to the US, which face a 19% tariff.

While acknowledging potential short-term impacts on trade performance, Tengku Zafrul stated that Malaysia aims to sustain its trade growth targets, projecting a 5% increase in total trade value to RM3.01 trillion for 2025.

He stressed that President Donald Trump’s tariff announcement, while posing challenges, also presents strategic opportunities for Malaysia to enhance competitiveness, especially within ASEAN. Looking ahead, he said MITI anticipates some economic slowdown due to global tariff escalations but remains committed to navigating these challenges with targeted mitigation strategies.