Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (left) and Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour at the launch of InvestMalaysia portal.
KUALA LUMPUR: The pertinent gap in information delivery to attract investments into Malaysia is set to be rectified with the InvestMalaysia portal, says Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said the portal is set to act as a one-stop gateway for investors to get information on investing in Malaysia, while allowing them access to a consolidation of key information required for sound and timely investment decisions.
“The InvestMalaysia portal aims to address that gap. What we have built is a platform where you enter with questions and exit with answers or directions to the right information.
“With the InvestMalaysia portal, global investors now have one-stop access to a comprehensive guide on investing in Malaysia,” he said in his speech during the launch of the portal here yesterday.
He added the country is in the midst of an investment renaissance and there has been real excitement towards Malaysia as an investment destination that has much potential.
However, this excitement is sometimes met with barriers that inhibit it from being translated into actual investments.
Amir Hamzah said that dealing with fragmented information is akin to finding a way in a maze and second-guessing the path which often results in unnecessary delays to convert intentions into tangible investments.
Through the portal, investors will now have insights into the economy, national policies, business landscape, sector-specific market information and tailored investment facilitation.
“It will have insights on not just the investment opportunities that Malaysia has to offer, but also the relevant steps to make the most of them.
“The portal will also redirect you to the right path and the links to the relevant agencies’ websites based on your investment choices. Ultimately, the goal is to empower investors to independently assess Malaysia’s economic prospects and explore investment opportunities the country has to offer,” Amir Hamzah said.
He added the government is committed to making Malaysia a top-tier investment destination, attracting high-level and high-value investments.
“The National Semiconductor Strategy, harnessed by fiscal support and targeted incentives, aims to transform Malaysia into a global powerhouse in the semiconductor industry.
“Concurrently, the National Energy Transition Roadmap paves the way for Malaysia to embrace a future of green and sustainable energy. The New Investment Incentives Framework, which is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2025, will present new opportunities for investors, from tax incentives to new strategic investment funds,” he noted.
Amir Hamzah said the RM120bil pledged by government-linked investment companies over the next five years will act as additional indirect domestic investments towards high-growth and high-value industries such as advanced manufacturing, digitalisation and the transition to green and sustainable finance.
“Momentum in the approved investments for 2024 has been strong. In the first half of the year alone, domestic direct investment reached RM85bil and foreign direct investment stood at RM75bil.
“To further augment a vibrant investment ecosystem, the Finance Ministry will provide more hands-on support to prospective investors through our Investor Relations Office. The office will be the main reference point for portfolio investors,” he said.
Bank Negara governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said in an era where information is as critical as capital, investors, analysts and partners need insights.
“The InvestMalaysia portal is built not only to deliver information but to enable closer engagement and facilitate a deeper understanding of the country’s economic performance, strategic initiatives and abundant opportunities,” he said.
He said the portal was imperative for Malaysia as the nation accelerates structural reforms to strengthen long-term economic prospects.
Abdul Rasheed said the global environment has been fraught with uncertainty this year due to geopolitical developments, changes in monetary policy by global central banks, and more recently, the just-concluded US election.
“Despite this, the narrowing of interest rate differentials between Malaysia and advanced economies is positive for the ringgit. We are closely monitoring global developments and stand ready to manage any spillover to domestic markets,” he said.
