Lukewarm outlook for Penang in 2020

GEORGE TOWN: Despite the rosy performance in approved manufacturing investments in Penang last year, the inflow is expected to slow down in 2020, says Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, special investment advisor to the Penang Chief Minister.

Citing data from the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), he said Penang received RM13.3 bil in total approved manufacturing investment between January and September 2019.

These comprised RM12 bil in foreign direct investment (FDI) and RM1.3 bil in domestic direct investment (DDI).

Electronic and electrical (E&E) products as well as scientific and measuring equipment were the major contributors to the total approved manufacturing investment, accounting for 68% and 18% respectively.

“While approved manufacturing investment was extraordinarily high in 2019, the investment amount is expected to be lower in 2020,” he told a press conference here today.

Lee said major challenges include the volatility of investment trends as well as the fierce competition in attracting high quality investments, as other Asean countries have introduced a variety of incentives to attract investors, especially those affected by the Sino-US trade conflict.

He also said that Malaysia should pay more attention to the shortage of skilled manpower to remain relevant in the technology sector.

Lee pointed out that the federal government has introduced a series of initiatives to make Malaysia the preferred destination for investments, including customised packaged incentives worth up to RM1 bil, to attract Fortune 500 companies and expedite incentive approval processes via the National Committee on Investment.

The list also includes promoting high value-added E&E industry by providing income tax exemption of up to 10 years for E&E firms investing in selected knowledge-based services.

“Meanwhile at the state level, we are also looking into collaborating with states such as Kedah and Perak to develop the northern region as an ecosystem hub for promoted industries,” he said.

Lee added that the collaboration aims to widen the supply chain of industries, specifically to manufacture E&E products and medical equipment. – Jan 2, 2020 Bernama

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