KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Approved investments in Malaysia reached RM218.5 billion in the first half of 2026 (1H 2026), covering 2,746 projects across the services, manufacturing and primary sectors. This is 11.7% higher than the RM195.5 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. More importantly for Malaysians, these approved projects are expected to create 99,030 jobs once fully implemented, 8.4% more jobs than the first half of 2025.
The 1H 2026 approvals equal 50.7% of the RM431.1 billion approved in the whole of 2025. The performance stands out commendably against a softening global backdrop - the International Monetary Fund’s July 2026 World Economic Outlook put world growth at 3.0% for the year, while Malaysia’s economy is projected to expand 4.7%, ahead of both the global and regional averages².