GEORGE TOWN: Penang continued to sustain its strong momentum by recording approved investments totalling RM63.96bil last year, says Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
He said based on Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) statistics, the manufacturing sector remained the main driver, contributing RM22.38bil, led by the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry.
"The services sector accounted for a larger share at RM41.22bil, with the information and communications technology (ICT) subsector emerging as a key contributor," he said in his speech at the official opening of First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly.
Ramli said of the total approved investments, domestic investments stood at RM38.85bil, while foreign investments amounted to RM25.10bil, reflecting sustained confidence from both local and international investors in the state’s industrial ecosystem.
He said Penang also maintained its strong export performance.
"Data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) showed that total trade in 2025 rose 17.9% to RM956.37bil.
"Exports totalled RM573.91bil, while imports reached RM382.46bil. The state accounted for about 35.7% of Malaysia’s total exports, underscoring its continued role as a key export hub," he said.
Ramli said Penang’s consistent economic performance reflected the strength of its industrial ecosystem and policy direction, which continued to attract high-value investments.
"This achievement demonstrates the resilience of Penang’s economy and the confidence of investors in its long-term prospects as a leading regional hub for high-technology and advanced manufacturing," he said adding that the investment reinforce Penang’s position as one of the country’s main economic engines.
Earlier, the ceremony began with an inspection of the guard of honour, followed by the singing of the national and state anthems.
Ramli, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, arrived at the forecourt of the Penang State Legislative Assembly Building to officiate the opening ceremony of the sitting.
Present during the ceremony were Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, and his wife, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his wife, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo and his wife, as well as members of the state exco.
Also in attendance were assembly members, State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, state financial officer Datuk Zairi Mat Ali, and state mufti Prof Madya Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman.
