Govt will ensure Malaysia remains attractive for FDI, DDI - Tengku Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will ensure that Malaysia continues to be a choice destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic direct investment (DDI).

"Investment is important for Malaysia and the government will ensure that it remains attractive for both foreign and domestic investors," said Finance Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Aziz in Bernama TV's 'Ruang Bicara'.

He said the government has allocated RM1 billion to provide a special incentive package for high value-added technology under Budget 2021.

Tengku Zafrul also emphasised on the need for automation as well as digitalisation in pushing the country's economy forward.

The High Technology Fund worth RM500 million provided by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to support high technology and innovative companies is aimed at that, he said.

The fund will enable Malaysia to remain competitive and maintain its position in the global supply chain ecosystem and protect high skilled jobs.

In tabling Budget 2021, Tengku Zafrul said the government was committed to making Malaysia a destination for high-value service activities.

The initiatives in this regard include extension of the Principal Hub tax incentive to Dec 31, 2022 and the new tax incentive for the establishment of a Global Trading Centre at a concessionary rate of 10 per cent for a period of five years and renewable for a period of another five years.

Additionally, the government allocated RM500 million for the implementation of the National Digital Network initiative, JENDELA to provide connectivity for 430 schools nationwide.

At the same time, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will allocate RM7.4 billion for year 2021 and 2022 to build and upgrade broadband services.

-- BERNAMA