Melaka’s investment surge opens door to better-paying jobs
Lai Wei Sieng says industry-linked training is crucial to ensure local workers benefit from growing investment opportunities in Melaka.
Melaka is witnessing a surge in approved investments, reaching RM396 million in the first quarter of 2026, up from RM184.4 million in the same period last year. This investment growth is creating opportunities for better-paying jobs, but local workers must possess the right skills to fully benefit from the state's economic expansion.
Between 2023 and 2025, Melaka attracted RM28.96 billion in approved investments through 752 projects, which could result in 25,100 jobs. In 2025 alone, investments reached RM14.69 billion, a 77.7% increase from 2024's RM8.26 billion, the state's highest level in 22 years. Foreign investments accounted for RM8.43 billion, while domestic investments totaled RM6.26 billion, involving 312 projects expected to create 4,612 jobs.
Economist Lai Wei Sieng attributed the performance to growing investor confidence in Melaka's administration, supported by its strategic location, established industrial base, and access to regional markets. The state has the potential to progress into higher-value manufacturing and services, such as semiconductors, automotive components, and green technology.
Despite a drop in manufacturing investment from RM4.44 billion in 2024 to RM2 billion in 2025, Melaka's first-quarter 2026 saw a more than doubling of approvals to RM396 million, up from RM184.4 million in the previous year.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
