PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will meet Tesla CEO Elon Musk next week to discuss methods for the billionaire to grow his investments in Malaysia.
“Musk, who also owns Twitter has asked to meet next week to discuss with me the possibility of him increasing his investments in Malaysia,” said the PM during a meeting session with state civil servants at MBS Hall.
The country needed more new investments to increase its income and reduce its debts which now amount to RM1.5 tril, according to the Finance Minister.
“There was a pressing need to increase both domestic and foreign direct investments as these can help create more jobs.”
Moreover, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz stated on March 1 that his ministry had approved Tesla’s application to import battery electric vehicles (BEV) into Malaysia.
He added that Tesla will establish a head office in Malaysia, introduce Tesla’s “experience centres”, service centres and establish its “Supercharger” network.
Tesla’s presence in Malaysia is projected to offer skilled and higher-paying job opportunities in the BEV category, as well as promote Malaysian company participation in the Tesla ecosystem, both locally and worldwide.
Tengku Zafrul also pointed out that this underlined Tesla’s belief in Malaysia’s economic fundamentals and business environment.
Meanwhile, Anwar claimed that he had also met Japanese investors last week and they had agreed to invest an additional RM20 bil in Malaysia.
“A few months ago, I was in China to attract new investments but some criticised me saying that the PM seems to be travelling a lot. But what is more important is that we received a commitment (from Chinese investors) to invest RM170 bil in Malaysia,” he said.
Furthermore, during Anwar’s visit, a total of 19 memorandums of understanding were signed including the establishment of a high-technology automotive valley in Tanjung Malim focusing on new energy vehicles.
The Tambun MP also added that he also met representatives from Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco two weeks ago. During the meeting, they also agreed to increase their investments in Johor. – July 7, 2023
Main photo credit: Malaysiakini and BQ Prime
