Investments secured under Anwar now bearing fruit, Malaysia hits historic trade high

SITI NUR ZAWANI

Malaysia recorded its strongest-ever trade performance for the January to April period this year.

The encouraging results reflected the sustained efforts by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to attract both foreign and domestic investments since taking office.

Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Sim Tze Tzin said the investments secured under the MADANI Government are now beginning to generate positive economic results and contribute to the country’s growth.

Malaysia approved a total of RM1.14 trillion in investments over the past three years, recording RM329.5 billion in 2023, RM384.4 billion in 2024 and RM426.7 billion in 2025.

He said investment projects typically require time before producing measurable economic impact, as companies need to go through stages such as land acquisition, factory construction, machinery installation, workforce recruitment and operational setup.

“Now, after three years of hard work by the MADANI Government, these investments are beginning to bear fruit. 

“From January to April 2026, Malaysia’s trade performance was extraordinary. Trade surpassed the RM1 trillion mark within just four months, one month earlier than the previous year,” he said.

Exports stood at RM609.31 billion, while imports totalled RM517.40 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of RM91.92 billion.

Sim said trade, exports, imports and trade surplus all recorded their highest-ever levels for the January to April period.

He added that the country’s trade surplus had doubled compared to the same period last year.

“The equation is simple: more investment leads to more factories, more production, higher exports, a stronger trade surplus and ultimately greater wealth generated within Malaysia,” he said.

Sim also credited the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and related agencies for contributing to the country’s economic momentum.

He said the strong economic performance demonstrated the effectiveness of the government’s policies, adding that even opposition-led states were benefiting from Malaysia’s continued economic growth.