Two states dominate the first-half table
MIDA reported RM70.0 billion in approved investments for Selangor and RM59.4 billion for Johor in 1H 2026. Together, that equals RM129.4 billion out of Malaysia's RM218.5 billion total approved investment value.
Selangor: scale and digital services
Selangor recorded the highest number of approved projects at 835. MIDA highlighted digital services such as AI, big-data analytics, cybersecurity, fintech, cloud computing and IoT within the state's services investment profile. Its advantages include a large business base, proximity to Kuala Lumpur, established industrial areas, logistics links and access to the Klang Valley workforce.
Johor: industrial geography and cross-border connectivity
Johor's RM59.4 billion total reflects its growing role in industrial and digital investment. MIDA pointed to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the coming RTS Link as supporting factors. The state also sits close to Singapore while offering large industrial areas and growing data-centre activity.
Other states remain strategically important
Kuala Lumpur attracted RM26.6 billion, Penang RM20.2 billion and Sarawak RM10.8 billion. Penang's strength is strongly linked to advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, while Sarawak's first-half total was influenced by offshore oil and gas exploration projects.
What to watch next
State-level investment rankings can change quickly when very large projects are approved. A better long-term comparison should track implementation rates, job quality, supplier participation, infrastructure constraints and the diversity of each state's project pipeline. The value of a regional investment hub comes from what becomes operational, not only what is approved.
