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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Chinese multinational Rianlon Corporation, a global leader in anti-ageing polymer additives and cosmetics, has committed to establishing a manufacturing plant and research and development (R\&D) facility in Johor.
The investment, valued at RM820 million, was confirmed during a closed-door meeting between Anwar and senior Rianlon executives, including Chief Executive Officer Li Haiping and Chief Technology Officer Sun Chunguang, at the Banyan Tree Tianjin Riverside Hotel.
“This investment will open up opportunities for high-skilled employment among Malaysians,” said the Prime Minister, who is on a four-day working visit to China — his fourth since taking office in November 2022.
In a separate engagement, Anwar also held talks with the top leadership of China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), the main contractor of Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. He met with CCCC Chairman Song Hailiang and Vice President Chen Zhong.
“Together with CCCC, I reviewed the progress of the ECRL, which now stands as a symbol of Malaysia-China friendship under the Belt and Road Initiative,” said Anwar. “God willing, the ECRL will close regional development gaps and bring economic benefits to the people.”
The 665-kilometre rail project is intended to link Malaysia’s east and west coasts, connecting Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor.
The first phase, stretching from Kota Bharu to the Gombak Integrated Terminal, is slated for completion in December 2026, with operations beginning in January 2027.
The second phase, from Gombak to Port Klang, is expected to be completed by December 2027 and fully operational by January 2028.
Anwar also used the China visit to highlight Malaysia’s ambition to diversify its semiconductor markets beyond traditional destinations, such as the United States.
“Malaysia is fortunate to be a semiconductor hub in Southeast Asia, with over 60 percent of our electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor products exported to the United States,” Anwar said during a public lecture at Tianjin University.
“The way forward is to continue this momentum while also exploring new markets. We are working with companies from China and Japan,” Bernama reported him saying.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as Finance Minister, underscored the importance of developing new talent, particularly in advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.
“There are significant opportunities here, especially now that China has opened its doors,” he said.
“Training is just as important as collaboration. In fact, tomorrow I will meet with all China-based semiconductor industry players to discuss and formulate a joint strategy. We must seize these opportunities and move forward together.” - Sept 1, 2025