KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia’s trade with BRICS nations climbed to RM818 billion in 2024, making up 35.2% of the country’s total global trade, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
In a written reply published on the Dewan Rakyat portal, the ministry said RM104.9 billion in investments from BRICS countries had been realised in Malaysia as of the end of last year.
MITI noted that although Malaysia has not joined BRICS as a full member, it has already seen economic gains through its strategic engagement with the group, which allows the country to explore new market access, attract foreign investments, and assess broader implications before considering full membership.
“Malaysia’s economic ties with BRICS members have already proven beneficial, as many are long-standing trade and investment partners,” said MITI. “This partnership also allows BRICS to assess Malaysia’s commitment to the bloc’s priorities.”
The ministry’s response came following a parliamentary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (PN–Kemaman) regarding the tangible outcomes of Malaysia’s cooperation with BRICS in promoting economic development and sustainability.
MITI also highlighted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reaffirmation of Malaysia’s commitment to inclusive multilateralism and BRICS values during the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 6–7, 2025.
“As a partner country, Malaysia can leverage BRICS cooperation to deepen regional supply chain links, diversify export markets, and unlock new investment opportunities,” the ministry said.
This collaboration, MITI added, supports Malaysia’s aim to promote an inclusive and rules-based global trading system while boosting its economic resilience against growing protectionist trends.
The ministry also stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between BRICS and ASEAN, citing mutual benefits through partnerships in trade, clean energy, sustainable development, and advanced technologies.
As the ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia will lead various regional efforts, including the “Declaration on the Establishment of an ASEAN AI Safety Network,” the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit (August 11–13, 2025), and the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur (September 17, 2025).
These initiatives are expected to involve ASEAN dialogue partners such as China, India, and Russia — all BRICS member countries.
BRICS currently comprises 10 nations: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
