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THE Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has reassured the public that the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) contains no clauses that compromise Bumiputera policy, domestic enterprises, or the role of government-linked companies (GLCs).
Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani emphasised that the agreement does not confer any special privileges on U.S. companies and has been negotiated with meticulous care to safeguard Malaysia’s national interests.
“Every international trade agreement, including ART, is undertaken with full diligence to ensure it does not undermine domestic priorities or national sovereignty,” Johari stated in response to a written parliamentary question from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN–Bachok).
“All commitments within this agreement are consistent with existing domestic laws and aligned with Malaysia’s socio-economic development objectives.”
Addressing domestic concerns, the minister highlighted that ART does not limit GLCs in their role of fostering economic growth.
“The government retains full authority to determine appropriate support, including initiatives aimed at strengthening the domestic economy and public welfare,” he added.
On digital taxation, Johari clarified that Malaysia remains fully entitled to impose such taxes as long as U.S. companies are not discriminated against.
He also reassured that the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors will continue to receive government support, noting that Malaysia is still a net importer of these products.
“Market access under ART aims to safeguard national food security, ensuring sufficient supply at affordable prices,” he said.
Imported products must meet stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures aligned with international standards, while regulators retain the power to block any items posing a risk to public health or safety.
Johari stressed that enforcement measures, such as preventing entry of unsafe products, remain fully intact under ART.
The minister also highlighted the trade deal’s contribution to foreign investment growth.
Between 2022 and September 2025, foreign investors secured approval for 1,361 manufacturing projects worth RM357.1 billion, facilitated by MITI and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
These projects are expected to generate 185,044 new job opportunities, with 966 projects—valued at RM282.2 billion—already realised.
“From the realised projects, a total of 141,470 jobs have been created, of which 7,856 offer salaries exceeding RM10,000, and 21,550 provide between RM5,000 and RM10,000,” Johari explained.
“Most roles are in management, professional, engineering, supervisory, and skilled worker categories, while the remainder includes 31,880 positions paying RM3,000–RM5,000 and 80,184 jobs below RM3,000, mainly at operator level.”
Meanwhile, Johari told the Dewan Rakyat that 356 projects, representing 26.2 per cent of approvals, remain in planning stages, involving site selection and consultations with developers and industry specialists, reflecting Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to bolster economic growth under the ART framework. - January 22, 2026