Penang records RM20.2 billion in investment approvals for January to June 2026
The investments are expected to create 20,216 new jobs, with local hiring and training among the government's measures to support residents.
Approved investment in Penang totalled RM20.2 billion for January to June 2026, with 20,216 new jobs expected, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin said. The approvals covered services, manufacturing and the primary sector.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat on Nov 5, Sim said government measures sought to extend investment benefits to residents around Taman Teknologi @ Bertam, including Tasek Gelugor and Kepala Batas. MITI and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) were encouraging companies to favour local recruits for high-skilled and semi-skilled work, including engineering, automation, technical operations and operations management.
Sim said training designed around companies' technological specifications included apprenticeships, reskilling and upskilling to support residents' employability. He also cited continuing cooperation linking industrial companies at Taman Teknologi @ Bertam with higher learning institutions and Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across North Seberang Perai and the northern region.
He was responding to Datuk Wan Saifulruddin Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor), who asked how federal government mechanisms would help North Seberang Perai residents benefit from the Taman Teknologi @ Bertam development.
