GLICs channel RM20.3 billion in domestic investment, nearly triple 2024

PUTRAJAYA — Government-linked investment companies (GLICs) committed and disbursed RM20.3 billion in direct domestic investment last year, nearly triple the RM6.6 billion recorded in 2024.

The figure was disclosed in the GEAR-uP Progress Report 2026, launched by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) today.

According to the report, the bulk of the investment went into strategic sectors seen as future drivers of national economic growth.

Of the RM20.3 billion, RM1.4 billion went to the semiconductor industry and RM1.8 billion to digital infrastructure and logistics. Investments also covered energy, healthcare, food security and local start-ups.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said GEAR-uP was set up to ensure the country's capital is translated into stronger economic capability.

He said the initiative helps create new businesses, quality jobs and more sustainable supply chains.

"GEAR-uP works to turn capital into capability. That means building businesses, creating good jobs and paying fair wages to Malaysians," he said, in remarks translated from Malay.

He added that the momentum of the programme would be maintained this year and in the years ahead.

Amir Hamzah said all 37 GLCs under the six GLICs are now part of the programme.

At the same time, he said, the overall portfolio recorded a shareholder return of eight per cent last year, against a target of 7.5 per cent.

The report also noted that a large portion of the RM120 billion domestic investment commitment through 2028 has yet to be disbursed.

That capital is expected to continue flowing into semiconductors, digital infrastructure, healthcare and the energy transition to strengthen the country's economic competitiveness.