KUALA LUMPUR, 13 NOVEMBER 2025: Malaysia’s economy continued its strong momentum in the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25), led by robust foreign investment inflows, expanding industrial output and resilient trade performance.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said Malaysia remains firmly on track to achieve its industrial and trade transformation goals despite global economic headwinds.

“Our performance this quarter reflects Malaysia’s position as a trusted investment destination and a proactive trading nation. The RM24.5 billion in potential investments and RM33.6 billion in export opportunities demonstrate investor confidence in Malaysia’s future,” Tengku Zafrul said.

The minister shared that as of September 2025, Malaysia secured RM24.49 billion in potential investments through trade and investment missions across key markets including the US, China, India and Europe, with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone emerging as a major magnet, accounting for 66% of Johor’s total RM56 billion approved investments.

He highlighted that digital investments continue to soar, reaching RM335.3 billion since 2021, of which data centre projects contribute RM235 billion.

“MITI also recorded RM25.4 billion in approved green investments under the Green Investment Strategy, spanning renewable energy, circular economy and green mobility projects.

“We are building a future-ready industrial base anchored on digitalisation, sustainability and inclusivity. MITI’s facilitation centres have resolved more than 37,000 investor cases, proving Malaysia’s commitment to ease of doing business,” Tengku Zafrul said.

Tengku Zafrul emphasised that the signing of the Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) was a major diplomatic and economic win, protecting RM325 billion in trade value and ensuring stable market access for 1,711 tariff lines worth RM22 billion, especially in key sectors like electric and electronics (E&E), aerospace and pharmaceuticals.

The minister said MITI’s trade diversification efforts also saw strong momentum in 2025, with significant export growth to African and BRICS nations, including Angola (59.3%), Ethiopia (56.4%) and Egypt (53.6%).

“Between January and September 2025, exports in the E&E sector surged 16.7% year-on-year (YoY), while pharmaceutical exports grew 24.7%, underscoring the impact of the National Industrial Master Plan 2030,” he said, adding that under the NIMP 2030 framework, Malaysia’s industrial transformation has gained pace.

“Median wages in manufacturing rose 23% since 2021 to RM2,490, while manufacturing GDP value added reached RM96.9 billion, up 3.7% YoY.

“Key milestones under MITI’s industrial transformation include Perodua’s first electric vehicle reaching 90% completion and remaining on track for launch by end-2025, the Smart Factory programme surpassing its 2025 target with 26 factories recognised by 3Q25, the National Semiconductor Strategy securing RM64 billion in investments while training 17,000 skilled workers and nurturing 13 high-growth Malaysian firms, and a 588% YoY surge in chemical industry investments,” Tengku Zafrul said, while emphasising that NIMP 2030 is no longer just a plan on paper; it is delivering real outcomes: Higher wages, stronger industrial capabilities and greener, smarter factories.

Tengku Zafrul revealed that as ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia has completed 12 of 18 Priority Economic Deliverables, including advancing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement and ATIGA 3.0, cementing its role as a driver of regional trade integration.

“Through strategic diplomacy and industrial transformation, Malaysia is positioning itself as a resilient, neutral, and innovative player in global trade and technology,” added Tengku Zafrul.

Overall, the minister emphasised that MITI’s 3Q25 performance paints a picture of an economy in forward motion — one that balances resilience with reform and ambition with pragmatism. With record investments, a thriving manufacturing base and stronger global linkages, Malaysia’s trade and industry landscape is clearly on a high-growth trajectory heading into 2026.