Perak has attracted RM6.25 billion worth of investments across 203 projects as of June 2025, potentially creating more than 5,000 job opportunities, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
He noted that the investment value represented a 105% increase compared to the same period last year, while job creation surged 224%, reflecting growing investor confidence in the state’s economy.
“This clearly demonstrates investors’ confidence in Perak’s strong and stable investment ecosystem — as steadfast as an anchor that holds firm even in turbulent seas,” Saarani said during his address at the Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with the 69th birthday celebration of Sultan Nazrin Shah at Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar.
Also present were Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim and other state dignitaries.
Saarani highlighted that Perak’s labour force participation rate rose to 67.4% in the second quarter of this year from 65.6% a year earlier, while the unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% from 3.4% in the same period.
Under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan, a total of 466 projects valued at RM1.84 billion have been approved, covering infrastructure, education, healthcare, social facilities, and industrial development.
Key developments include:
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The upgrading of the PLUS Expressway from Slim River to South Ipoh
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The Perak Halal Industrial Park in Manjung
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The construction of the Tanjung Rambutan Health Clinic
“These projects will bring direct benefits to the people’s well-being,” he added.
Looking ahead, Perak will benefit from continued federal support in the 2026 Budget, particularly for major initiatives such as the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park expansion and the Lumut Maritime Industrial City, both of which aim to strengthen the state’s position as a hub for green and maritime industries.
Saarani said the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 4.4% in 2024, up from 2.7% in 2023, with total output increasing to RM86.2 billion from RM82.6 billion.
The growth was driven primarily by the services (63.3%) and manufacturing (19.4%) sectors, followed by agriculture (14%), construction (2.6%), and mining (0.6%).
“These figures show the resilience of Perak’s economy and the people’s determination to improve their livelihoods,” he said.
As of Nov 7, Perak had collected RM1.1 billion in revenue, putting it on track to achieve its RM1.4 billion target and offset a projected RM81.8 million deficit in the 2025 budget.
“With continued prudent management, we are confident Perak will record a budget surplus for the fourth consecutive year,” Saarani said.
