GEORGE TOWN: Penang continued to fare well in its investment performance in 2025, attracting RM32.9bil in approved investments driven largely by high-technology manufacturing sectors, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Chief Minister said the state remained among the key contributors to Malaysia’s economic growth, with strong investor confidence supported by Penang’s industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, infrastructure and strategic role in the global supply chain.
“Penang continues to attract high-quality investments, particularly in high-technology manufacturing sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), semiconductors and medical devices,” he said in a written reply to Ong Ah Teong (PH-Batu Lancang) during the Penang state legislative assembly sitting on Thursday (May 14).
Citing data from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Chow (PH-Padang Kota) said the inflow of investments was driven by policy stability and continued support from the state government, which had strengthened the confidence of both foreign and domestic investors.
On trade performance, he said Penang recorded export value of RM573bil and import value of RM382bil in 2025 through Penang Port and Penang International Airport.
The figures were based on data from the Statistics Department of Malaysia (DOSM).
However, Chow said a detailed breakdown of trade handled specifically through Penang Port and Penang International Airport was currently unavailable.
“Overall, the export and import performance through these two major gateways reflects strong trade activity and underscores Penang’s role as a key node in regional and global supply chains, particularly for high-technology and value-added goods,” he said.
