Seremban: Negeri Sembilan recorded a record RM19.1 billion in approved investments last year, surpassing its initial target of RM10 billion. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced that the investments involved 295 projects approved by the state's Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) board.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this achievement marked a significant increase compared with RM7.2 billion recorded in 2024, representing an increase of 164 percent. The state broke its previous investment record of RM10.1 billion in 2023. Negeri Sembilan now ranks sixth highest in terms of approved investment amounts, following Johor, Selangor, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kedah, as stated by Aminuddin during a special press conference at Wisma Negeri.
The services sector was the leading contributor, with RM13.79 billion or 72 percent of the state's total investment, while the manufacturing sector contributed RM5.34 billion, accounting for 28 percent. The largest contributors within the services subsectors included information and communication, real estate, utilities, support services, and other industries. In manufacturing, chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronics, petroleum products, metal fabrication, and food manufacturing were the top performers.
Aminuddin highlighted that domestic investment was the largest contributor, amounting to RM14.7 billion or 77 percent, while foreign investment recorded RM4.43 billion or 23 percent. China led the foreign investment with RM2.2 billion, followed by the Netherlands with RM800 million, Taiwan with RM540 million, Japan with RM280 million, and Singapore with RM190 million.
Major projects approved this year include Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material, ON Semiconductor (M) Sdn Bhd, IN WIN Asia Sdn Bhd, T Hasegawa Flavours Sdn Bhd, and a new data center by Nexus Yang Sdn Bhd. The increase in investments is anticipated to create 3,845 new jobs, enhancing employment opportunities and improving the economic well-being of the community.
Looking ahead, Aminuddin noted that 2026 is expected to pose challenges due to global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The state government plans to focus on attracting high-quality, high-impact investments using advanced technology. Aminuddin expressed confidence that with continued commitment, Negeri Sembilan will progress as a competitive and prosperous state, setting a target of RM10 billion in investment for the coming year.