JOHOR BARU – The International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) is committed to ensuring that Malaysia can achieve a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 5.8% this year as projected by the World Bank.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the projection is achievable with the support of the National Recovery Council (MPN), private sector, industries, and business chambers.
He said based on Bank Negara’s statement, Malaysia's economy grew 3.6% in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared with a contraction of 4.5% in the preceding quarter.
“This means Malaysia is on the right positive track. The overall economic growth of 3.1% in 2021 is an achievement, and the World Bank has revised our economic growth for 2022 to 5.8%.
“With the success of MPN, support from the private sector and industry as well as business chambers, I am confident Malaysia can achieve 5.8% in 2022,” he said during a dialogue session between economy-related ministers and MPN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at Pulai Spring Resort here today.
Azmin said the country recorded trade of over RM2.2 trillion, while exports amounted to RM1.24 trillion last year.
“According to the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) that was tabled in Parliament, by end-2025, the country’s export value must record RM1.25 trillion. We have already achieved RM1.24 trillion last year, meaning that we have succeeded in achieving the target four years earlier than targeted under the 12MP,” he said.
Azmin said Johor is one of the important states that contributed to the nation’s GDP, and industries and investors in the state want to see a strong government.
“However, amidst the economic recovery, how do we convince investors whether domestic or foreign to come and invest in Johor if the government is weak, unstable, and with leadership controlled by leaders who are corrupt and abuse power?
“I promise to the people of Johor this time, if Johor can elect a new government that is clean and with integrity, I am confident Johor will rise and emerge as a state that contributes to the country’s GDP in the coming years,” he said. – Bernama, March 5, 2022
