KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 — Projects approved in 2025 have recorded a 62.2 per cent implementation rate, in line with the typical 18 to 24 months development cycle for completion, said the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
The nation recorded RM426.7 billion in approved investments in 2025, the highest level ever, up 11 per cent from RM384.4 billion in 2024, reflecting continued growth despite the cautious global climate.
Meanwhile, more than 90 per cent of approved manufacturing projects between 2021 and 2024 have been implemented.
"Malaysia’s investment performance is measured not only by approvals but also by implementation.
"Strategic platforms such as the National Committee on Investment (NCI), the Investment and Trade Coordination Action Committee, and the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth project execution," it said in a statement today.
MIDA added that the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (MITI) and its agencies will continue to work closely with Federal and state stakeholders to facilitate and monitor project implementation.
"Between 2021 and 2025, the NCI approved 4,848 manufacturing projects, of which 84.9 per cent have reached various implementation stages, ranging from production to factory construction and machinery installation.
"Meanwhile, 12 per cent are in the planning phase, focusing on site selection and consultations with developers," it said.
Only 3.1 per cent of the projects were abandoned, highlighting Malaysia’s strong project realisation rate.
MITI Deputy Minister Sim Tze Tzin said these projects have already commenced and are progressing.
"However, the process — from groundbreaking and the construction of new factories to the purchase of machinery and the start of operations — typically takes between 12 and 48 months.
"Given this timeline, it is difficult to measure the value of progress precisely or provide a definitive figure (in ringgit terms) on the proportion of investments that have been realised," he said at a media conference today.
