Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has recorded increased investors' interest and confidence from BRICS countries, with total investments approved for the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025) reaching RM8.54 billion, said the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MITI stated that investment inflows were primarily from China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa, based on data from 'ultimate sources'. Of the total, RM8.23 billion or 96.37 percent are investments in the manufacturing sector, while RM270 million or 3.63 percent are investments in the services sector. The approved investments between January and March 2025 are expected to create 3,990 job opportunities in the manufacturing sector and 2,837 in the services sector, as stated by the ministry in a written reply published on the Parliament website.
MITI was answering a query from Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi (PN-Kuala Kedah) regarding the actual amount of international investment returns into the country after it joined the bloc in early 2025. The ministry emphasized that these investments have strengthened investors' confidence in Malaysia, highlighting potential in strategic sectors such as green technology, the digital economy, and infrastructure.
MITI also noted that Malaysia's participation in BRICS provides added value through recognition of its role as a progressive and principled country. This inclusion opens doors to new markets, enhances interactions with major economic powers in the global south, and elevates Malaysia's perspective in advocating for a fairer and balanced global financial and trade system.
Although the data is derived from ultimate sources and not immediate sources, MITI considers it a positive indication that Malaysia's status as a BRICS partner country will yield significant economic benefits, particularly in terms of new investments, job creation, and support for long-term growth. Malaysia has historically maintained strong trade and investment relations with BRICS countries, especially China and India, prior to its official acceptance as a BRICS partner country in early 2025.