Photo: Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The amount of investment approved from January to June 2024 has jumped to RM160 billion, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
The finance minister said this was an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year.
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“All these investments involve nearly 3,000 new projects that will open up more than 79,000 job opportunities for Malaysians.
“This shows that the government’s reform agenda is bearing fruit, especially with the 4.2% gross domestic product (GDP) economic growth in the first quarter of 2024 and 5.9% in the second quarter of 2024, exceeding initial projections.
“The Ringgit has also strengthened to the level of RM4.37,” he said during his speech during the 30th Khazanah anniversary celebration at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here, on Tuesday (Oct 3).
Present at the event Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, International Trade & Industry (MITI) Minister Tengku Dato' Sri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Khaznah Nasional Bhd Managing Director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir.
Anwar also pointed out that political leaders should not interfere in business and trade matters, including those involving Khazanah.
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“What we have done is put in policies that prioritise developments that focus on justified values while ensuring profits for the company and the welfare of the workers.
“I still remember when Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) was privatised, the first year's report was presented, I questioned the housing for employees at the lower level
“How are their salaries? What is the fate of the children in school? Don't burden the government because all privatised bodies make a lot of money,” he said.
He added there must be a commitment to guarantee the comfort of the workers.
To show appreciation for their employees, one of Khazanah's commitments is to ensure that all Malaysian employees and the GLCs under its umbrella have an income of RM 3,100 per month. This involved a total of 113k employees
He hoped that other private companies would learn from Khazanah to provide more commensurate income to staff members.
