SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan received a record RM7.9bil in new investments in 2020 despite problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
He said the amount was much higher than the estimated RM5bil.
"I am happy that we did almost 30% better than in 2019 despite the pandemic, which hit the global economy badly.
"We hope to do even better this year and are hoping to secure RM10bil," he told reporters at Wisma Negri on Friday (March 5).
The state received RM6.1bil in new investments in 2019, against RM2.86bil in 2018 and RM1.4bil in 2017.
Aminuddin said the state came in seventh for the amount of new investments received in 2020, and this was yet another record.
Of the RM7.9bil, RM3.8bil was in the form of foreign direct investments (FDI).
In 2019, the state attracted only RM1.3bil in FDI.
According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Selangor received the highest investments approved last year with RM38.7bil, followed by Sabah (RM21bil), Sarawak (RM19.6bil), Kuala Lumpur (RM17.1bil), Penang (RM16bil) and Johor (RM11.9bil).
Aminuddin said the manufacturing and services sectors received the bulk of the investments.
He said apart from having good infrastructure, Negri Sembilan was a favoured destination among investors because of its proximity to the Klang Valley and the country's airports and seaports.
"My administration is also investor-friendly with approvals given promptly.
"We have also come up with policies to spur growth and more incentives to attract investors," he added.
