MIDA foresees diverse sector investments in 2026, moving beyond data centres to focus on job creation and income growth spillover effects.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) anticipates a more diverse investment pipeline this year, extending beyond the data centre sector.
Its chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid (pic) said discussions are ongoing with various other sectors for potential projects.
“Some of the discussions are still ongoing, and it may happen this year as far as approval is concerned, or it may happen next year,” he told reporters at a media appreciation event.
He noted that while data centre projects typically involve substantial capital, the investment landscape is broadening.
MIDA chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the authority will focus on ensuring realised investments create meaningful economic spillovers.
The key focus areas are job creation and income growth for Malaysians.
“There is no point in executing something if the outcome is not the intended outcome,” Tengku Zafrul stated.
He emphasised the need for investments that generate quality employment and boost national productivity.
“Are we creating jobs where people are no longer underemployed? There is no point creating jobs where they do not increase the productivity of the country,” he added.
The event was also attended by Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
