Malaysia projects 99,030 new jobs from RM218.5 billion of approved investments in H1 2026
Malaysia expects about 99,030 jobs from 2,746 approved investment projects in the first half of 2026, backed by RM218.5 billion in capital.
During the Academy in Industry Media Awards 2026, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry disclosed that 2,746 investment projects approved for the first half of 2026 are projected to create 99,030 job opportunities, supported by RM218.5 billion in approved capital, an 11.7 % increase from the same period last year. Secretary-General Hairil Yahri Yaacob stressed that success should be measured by technology adoption, local talent development and higher incomes, highlighting high-value sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence and green technology.
He linked these aims to the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, which target a median monthly salary of RM3,500 by 2030 and a skilled-worker share of 35 % of the workforce. The ADI “Place and Train” model, combining on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, has already facilitated 15,893 placements across 3,064 companies. Current foreign labour stands at 2.13 million (12.7 % of employment), with a goal to reduce this to 10 % by 2030. Officials urged employers to treat training as a strategic investment to sustain economic diversification.
Why it matters
The projected job growth and investment surge signal a major push to upgrade Malaysia's workforce and diversify its economy.
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