KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s economy maintained strong growth in the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25), reflecting robust investor confidence and sustained industrial expansion despite global economic challenges.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) reported RM24.5 billion in potential investments and RM33.6 billion in export opportunities during the period, driven by high-value foreign investment inflows, expanding industrial output and resilient trade performance.
Presenting the Miti Third Quarter 2025 Performance Report Card at Menara Miti, Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said Malaysia remains firmly on track to achieve its industrial and trade transformation goals under the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
“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,” he said.
As of September, Malaysia secured RM24.49 billion in potential investments through trade and investment missions across major markets, including the United States (US), China, India and Europe.
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) emerged as a significant draw, contributing 66 per cent of Johor’s total RM56 billion in approved investments.
Digital investments have also continued to surge, totalling RM335.3 billion since 2021, with data centre projects accounting for 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.
“Malaysia is building a future-ready industrial base anchored on digitalisation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Miti’s facilitation centres have successfully resolved over 37,000 investor cases, highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to ease of doing business,” Tengku Zafrul said.
The Minister highlighted the signing of the Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) as a major diplomatic and economic milestone.
The agreement safeguards RM325 billion in trade value and ensures stable market access for 1,711 tariff lines worth RM22 billion, particularly benefiting key sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), aerospace and pharmaceuticals.
He said Malaysia’s trade diversification efforts have also gained traction in 2025, with strong export growth recorded in African and BRICS markets, including Angola (59.3 per cent), Ethiopia (56.4 per cent) and Egypt (53.6 per cent).
“Between January and September this year, exports in the E&E sector surged 16.7 per cent year-on-year, while pharmaceutical exports grew 24.7 per cent, highlighting the impact of the NIMP 2030.
“Malaysia’s industrial transformation is yielding tangible benefits for workers and the manufacturing sector. Median wages in manufacturing rose 23 per cent since 2021 to RM2,490, while manufacturing GDP value added reached RM96.9 billion, up 3.7 per cent year-on-year,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul also listed key milestones achieved under NIMP 2030, including:
- Perodua’s first electric vehicle reaching 90 per cent completion and on track for launch by end-2025.
- The Smart Factory programme exceeded its 2025 target with 26 factories recognised by 3Q25.
- The National Semiconductor Strategy securing RM64 billion in investments, training 17,000 skilled workers, and nurturing 13 high-growth Malaysian firms.
- A 588 per cent year-on-year surge in chemical industry investments.
“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 emphasised.
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 leadership in 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.
Miti’s 3Q25 performance demonstrates 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,” he added.