PERAK is rapidly emerging as a major high-tech manufacturing hub, leveraging its strategic positioning, robust policy stability, and dedicated fast-track investment facilitation to anchor the expansion of Malaysia’s semiconductor and electrical and electronics (E&E) sector.
Speaking at the Invest in Perak Day event yesterday, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani highlighted Perak’s accelerating momentum within the regional supply chain.
He noted that the state achieved a remarkable RM15.7bil in total approved investments in 2025, reflecting strong global investor confidence.
Located strategically close to Penang and Kulim, two established powerhouses in the semiconductor and tech ecosystem, Perak serves as a natural geographical bridge for semiconductor and E&E integration.
This strategic position enables the state to complement the existing northern region ecosystem while providing companies with scalable industrial land and expanded capacity for long-term growth.
Strong realisation rates and strategic industrial focus
Reinforcing the minister’s points, Perak Chief Minister Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, emphasised the state’s proven track record in converting investment commitments into active operational facilities.
According to official data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), Perak recorded RM25.88bil in total approved manufacturing investments over the past five years (2021–2025), with 87% of that amount successfully progressed into realisation and implementation stages.
Explaining the state’s targeted focus on high-tech manufacturing, the chief minister revealed that E&E has consistently anchored Perak’s industrial foundation.
From 1980 until 2025, Perak recorded RM61bil in total realised investments, with E&E standing firmly as the top sector by generating RM13.1bil.
In view of this, Perak is steadily emerging as an important node in Malaysia’s semiconductor supply chain despite the stronger profile of neighbouring Penang and Kulim.
As global supply chains diversify and demand for semiconductor capacity grows, Perak is well placed to deepen its role in the country’s semiconductor and E&E ecosystem.
Its existing strengths in downstream activities, including semiconductor packaging and testing, provide a foundation for attracting new investments and expanding its contribution to the industry.
Meanwhile, to address a steady surge in investor enquiries, Perak is actively expanding its high-tech infrastructure through dedicated developments such as the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) and Kerian Industrial City (KIC).
These next-generation industrial sites, which are located adjacent to the semiconductor hubs of Penang and Kulim Hi-Tech Park, are poised to transform the region into the Silicon Valley of Asean in the future, driven by economic complementarity, geographical proximity and strong political commitment between the federal and state governments.
Cost competitiveness and streamlined facilitation
Perak executive council member Loh Sze Yee detailed the state’s core value proposition, pointing to Perak’s stable and consistent policy environment, proactive government support, skilled talent pool and cost-competitive business environment compared to neighbouring industrial zones.
To ensure rapid deployment for incoming businesses, Perak Investment Management Centre (InvestPerak) acting chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Shahir Abdul Aziz highlighted the agency’s role as a central facilitation body.
Through its One-Stop Centre (OSC), InvestPerak helps investors navigate approvals, coordinate with relevant agencies and facilitate projects from initial enquiry through implementation.
With expanding infrastructure, strong federal-state coordination and dedicated fast-track support, Perak is well-positioned to drive the next wave of semiconductor expansion within Malaysia’s northern economic corridor.
This article is by InvestPerak.
