Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has solidified its position as one of Malaysia’s top investment destinations, recording RM10.9 billion in approved investments in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing its total for the entire year of 2024.
According to the latest investment performance report by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Sabah now ranks third nationally in total investments, behind Selangor and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) led the surge, contributing RM6.6 billion or 61pc of the total, while Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) accounted for RM4.29 billion (39pc).
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});The manufacturing sector emerged as the top contributor with RM7.3 billion in investments, making Sabah the number one recipient of manufacturing investments in Malaysia for the quarter.
Of the manufacturing total, RM6.59 billion (91.3pc) came from foreign sources, reflecting robust international confidence in Sabah’s business environment.
Domestic investment in the sector amounted to RM711 million (9.7pc). The services sector drew RM2.83 billion, while the primary sector attracted RM757.1 million.
Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe described the milestone as a testament to investor confidence in Sabah’s economic prospects and pro-business policies.
“Despite global economic uncertainties and geopolitical pressures, Sabah remains a competitive and trusted investment hub. This performance shows our strategic policies are yielding tangible results,” he said.
He added that the state government remains fully committed to strengthening Sabah’s investment ecosystem and welcomes both foreign and local investors in contributing to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
“The State Government will continue to create an enabling environment for investors and push forward with our industrial development agenda,” Phoong said.