SHAH ALAM, April 13 — Selangor’s diversified economic base and strategic shift towards high-impact industries are expected to cushion the impact of global uncertainties, said Invest Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris.
He added that the state is not only Malaysia’s largest economic contributor — having contributed 26.2 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 — but it also has a broad-based industrial ecosystem that strengthens its resilience against external shocks.
“Selangor is not dependent on a single sector. The diversity across manufacturing, digital services and logistics sectors acts as a strategic buffer, enhancing the state’s economic resilience in facing global uncertainties.
“Amid global geopolitical uncertainties, Selangor has moved its focus towards quality investments and high impact sectors such as integrated circuit (IC) design, the circular economy, and data centres.
“Investors in these sectors typically have long-term planning horizons, making them less susceptible to short-term market fluctuations,” he told Media Selangor when asked whether there are concerns that current global developments, particularly the conflict in West Asia, could affect the flow of investments into Selangor.
On April 9, state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said Selangor’s investment strategies will be relooked, with greater focus on local companies to ensure economic strength amid the conflict.
Ng said the state government is not looking to restrict foreign investment, but to attract more high-impact domestic companies capable of expanding into higher value markets, while also focusing on empowering local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Meanwhile, Hasan said that despite global uncertainties, Selangor remains a preferred destination for investors due to its mature infrastructure and access to a highly skilled workforce, supported by proactive facilitation efforts by Invest Selangor.
“We are committed to ensure the ease of doing business in Selangor remains optimal.”
He pointed out that investment decisions are not made overnight, but often take months and even years, influenced by multiple factors beyond global economic and geopolitical conditions.
“Investors also consider local supply chains, supporting industrial ecosystems, availability of skilled talent, proactive government support, land, labour and logistics costs, and infrastructure and telecommunications facilities, among others.”
Hasan said that in view of this, Invest Selangor will continue its promotion efforts throughout the year to keep investors informed of the latest developments in the state and ongoing measures to navigate current challenges.
