SHAH ALAM, Nov 20 — The slight decline in Malaysia’s overall trade share with Asean countries in specific key sectors this year should not be viewed negatively, as China’s rapidly expanding economy essentially drives it.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the country’s booming economic activity has drawn a significant share of regional trade towards China, driven by increased import and export volumes.
He was responding to Opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali’s supplementary question, who noted that the latest data from the Statistics Department showed a decline in Malaysia’s October trade performance with Asean countries across sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture.
“DOSM statistics also show that a very large amount of investment — RM285.2 billion — has been recorded in our country. A significant portion of this came from our traditional trading partners like Japan, the United States (US), and China.
“Certainly, with the rise of economies like China, trade values have increased significantly, particularly in import and export activities involving Asean countries.
“This has, in turn, reduced the overall share and involvement of Asean countries in the trade processes and figures (in Malaysia),” Amirudin said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly session today.
Earlier, Azmin said that Malaysia’s export performance with Asean nations in the manufacturing, mining, and agriculture sectors fell by 20.1 per cent in October, while imports declined by 12 per cent.
The Hulu Kelang state assemblyman also wanted to know the state government’s efforts to increase these figures, as Selangor is the nation’s leading economic contributor.
Amirudin added that among other initiatives to drive trade, the state government plans to hold an international edition of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) in Asean countries next year.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin and Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing with Asean delegates attend the 34th Asean Socio-Cultural Community’s Gala Dinner at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Petaling Jaya, on October 8, 2025.
Selangor’s role in Asean chairmanship
On the original question posed by Kota Damansara state assemblyman Muhammad Izuan Ahmad Kasim regarding Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship, the Menteri Besar said Selangor’s participation in the Asean Summit has helped showcase the state’s infrastructure strengths and tourism offerings to countries worldwide.
Among other things, Selangor’s responsibilities include ensuring that all major entry points, such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, and the facilities leading up to the capital city, are in good condition and operating smoothly.
“Thank god, the initial feedback we received, including from dignitaries such as US President Donald Trump, reflected strong appreciation for the quality of the infrastructure provided by the government,” he said.
Amirudin said that Selangor’s hosting of the gala dinner and cultural tour in conjunction with the 34th Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting on October 8 and October 9 has allowed the state the opportunity to promote its tourism products.
These include cultural activities and tourism destinations like the Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park and Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor, and the paddy fields in Sekinchan.
