Lonjakan pelaburan Melaka buka peluang gaji lebih tinggi

Melaka has witnessed a surge in investments totaling RM396 million in its first half of 2026, compared to RM184.4 million during the same period last year. This increase in investments has opened up opportunities for higher-paying jobs; however, equipping local manpower with relevant skills is crucial for them to benefit from the economic growth.

The investments in Melaka amount to RM28.96 billion, encompassing 752 projects between 2023 and 2025, potentially creating 25,100 jobs. By 2025, investments reached RM14.69 billion, a 77.7% jump from RM8.26 billion in 2024, marking the highest level in 22 years. Out of this, RM8.43 billion is foreign investment and RM6.26 billion is domestic, involving 312 projects expected to create 4,612 jobs.

Economic expert Lai Wei Sieng attributed this success to the growing confidence of investors in the government's administration, backed by Melaka's strategic location, a robust industrial base, and its gateway to the regional market. He predicts Melaka will transform into a high-end manufacturing and service sector, particularly in semiconductors, automotive components, and green technology.

While manufacturing investment declined from RM4.44 billion in 2024 to RM2 billion in 2025, the investment value in this sector more than doubled to RM396 million in the first half of 2026, compared to RM184.4 million in the same period last year. Although manufacturing investment decreased, Lai noted the decline does not necessarily indicate Melaka's allure weakening as mega projects usually invest during different periods.

Major investments include Texas Instruments' assembly and testing plant in Texas, set to open in November 2025, with potential investments of up to RM5 billion and the ability to provide up to 500 local jobs once fully operational. For Nazrul Johari, a 33-year-old Texas Instruments engineer who previously worked in Negeri Sembilan, this job opportunity allows him to earn better wages and improve his family's financial status.

"This job enables me to help my family financially, including close relatives and extended family," he said, adding that other Melaka residents also have the chance to benefit from the increased job opportunities. Another project is the RM200 million body paint facility by EP Manufacturing in Alor Gajah, expected to start operations in 2027 and create over 200 jobs in the automated manufacturing process.

Training for high-end industries The government allocated RM5.6 million in 2026 for electric vehicle (EV) training equipment at the Advanced Technology Training Centre (ADTEC) in Melaka as part of a RM7 million project. An additional RM5.6 million is allocated to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) for equipment in emerging technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced materials, under a RM41 million project.

The 2027 budget also earmarks Melaka Centre of Excellence for high-end technical and vocational training to provide local youth with skilled and better-paying jobs. Nationally, the government will allocate RM8 billion for TVET in 2027, including RM3 billion from HRD Corp to provide three million skill training opportunities. At TVETMARA Jasin, Deputy Director of Academic and Vocational Training Kamarul Ariffin Mahumdin said students are trained in automotive, electrical, and mechanical fields, along with on-the-job training at companies such as Hino, Komatsu, and YTL.

He said over 90% of students are absorbed by companies where they undergo on-the-job training, demonstrating close collaboration with employers to create continuous employment opportunities. Lai emphasized that this cooperation is essential to ensure training programs meet the technical, digital, and professional skills required by an increasingly advanced industry.

"However, if skill development does not keep pace with investment growth, companies may have to hire skilled workers from abroad, while locals only get low-skilled and low-paying jobs," he said. He also highlighted the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the New Incentive Framework (NIF) by the federal government to attract high investment, support better-paying jobs, technological development, and regional supply chain strengthening.

Better wages In Melaka, the average wage for middle-level employees increased from RM2,528 in 2024 to RM2,773 in 2025, but it is still lower than the national middle-level average of RM2,940. Lai noted that attracting high-end industries requires continuous improvement in workers' skills and productivity through upskilling and skill enhancement.

He said employers should provide clear career development paths to help young workers secure higher-paying jobs, so Melaka's youth do not need to move to other states for better jobs and wages. "This is important so that young people in Melaka do not have to migrate to other states to find better-paying jobs," he said.