PM Anwar: National Chamber of Commerce to receive RM1 million for helping boost investment in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA, July 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a RM1 million donation to the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (NCCIM) in recognition of its support for the government’s efforts to encourage domestic and international investment.

He also expressed his gratitude to the chamber for its support in coordinating and understanding government policies, empowering the people and assisting in every overseas visit to attract new investments.

“The efforts of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and other government agencies could not have succeeded without the full support of NCCIM,” he said at the NCCIM 62nd Anniversary Gala Dinner 2024 today.

Anwar said the government would consider the new proposals and suggestions put forward by the NCCIM, which encompass energy transition, education, digital transformation, capacity building of micro, small and medium enterprises and food security.

Proposals include the creation of a national environmental, social and governance (ESG) fund aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the creation of a national technical and vocational education and training (TVET) learning fund to improve vocational training.

Furthermore, it is proposed to establish a TVET Commission to oversee and manage the development of TVET.

Anwar also stressed that the government would address existing weaknesses, including speeding up approvals and making necessary adjustments to ensure smoother implementation of programmes.

“I always stress the need to recognize the efforts of our domestic partners. Without the connection and ecosystem built by our domestic companies, it would be difficult to encourage foreign investment in Malaysia.

“Your role (NCCIM) is therefore relevant and essential to ensure the success of the MADANI economy,” he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz stressed that the allocation to NCCIM marks the first such funding since the previous one was granted four years ago.

“NCCIM has approximately 700,000 businesses that play a critical role in supporting the government’s investment and trade missions.

“They are also a vital link between government and business,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the event. — Bernama