KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is expected to enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness by promoting high-value manufacturing through business and investor-friendly policies, say economists.
Putra Business School Assoc Prof Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said the 13MP, which serves as an indicative plan from 2026 to 2030, will help stimulate both domestic and foreign investments through policy reforms and incentives.
“The 13MP can position Malaysia as a leader by leveraging existing strengths in manufacturing and semiconductors, driving regional integration through Asean frameworks and adopting strategic regional positioning.
“It should also aim for the advancement of the semiconductor value chain and enhance regional supply chain resilience while not forgetting sustainability and inclusivity among the local businesses,” he told Bernama.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to table the 13MP document in the Dewan Rakyat on July 31.
Razman said the five-year strategic plan should also promote automation through incentives for technology adoption, support for workforce transitions, and clear and stable policies.
“The 13MP should accelerate digitalisation by investing in digital infrastructure, providing incentives for digital adoption, creating ecosystem and collaboration, as well as strengthening cybersecurity and data governance,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sunway University economics professor Yeah Kim Leng said the 13MP should prioritise creating and enabling an environment for free markets to thrive and for private enterprises to innovate, compete, and prosper.
He noted that Malaysia is expected to transition into a high-income nation, as defined by the World Bank, during the 13MP period from 2026 to 2030.
Yeah said one of the key drivers of this transition is the ongoing expansion of high-value and advanced manufacturing and service sectors.
“The recent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in these areas has enhanced the country’s competitiveness and its strategic position as a regional hub for the semiconductor supply chain and data centres.
“In addition to semiconductors and data centres, industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and those related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) are also significant.
“The 13MP is expected to promote structural advancements in other high-growth and high-value industries, including renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals,” he said.
Yeah added that 13MP initiatives should also address the increasing demand for more sophisticated and higher-quality services, which will subsequently drive growth in finance, education, healthcare, and aged care.
