MALAYSIA saw a robust net inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) totalling RM51.5 billion in 2024, up sharply from RM38.6 billion the year before, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).
In a statement released on Tuesday, the department said the rise in FDI was matched by an increase in income generated by foreign enterprises operating in the country, which rose to RM99.8 billion compared to RM88.4 billion in 2023.
“This increase was mainly driven by income from equity and investment fund shares which amounted to RM95.9 billion, and interest income of RM3.9 billion,” it noted.
Malaysia’s total FDI position at the close of 2024 stood at RM995.5 billion, a rise from RM924.0 billion recorded the previous year.
Of the total inflows, RM28.0 billion came through equity and investment fund shares, contributing to an accumulated position of RM832.9 billion. Meanwhile, debt instruments brought in a net inflow of RM23.5 billion, bringing their total position to RM162.6 billion.
The services sector was the primary recipient of FDI inflows, accounting for RM39.4 billion and holding the largest cumulative position of RM524.8 billion. However, it was the manufacturing sector that yielded the highest income from FDI, generating RM54.6 billion, followed by the services sector.
Geographically, the Asian region dominated FDI inflows, contributing RM50.3 billion in 2024, with Singapore and Hong Kong emerging as the top sources of investment.
“Investors from this region also recorded the highest income, amounting to RM46.5 billion,” DOSM said. - June 25, 2025
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