Malaysia Sets Minimum Target Of 3,000 Smart Factories By 2030 – MITI
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) aims to establish a minimum of 3,000 smart factories by 2030 as part of Malaysia’s industrial transformation under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030).
Deputy secretary-general (Industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri said the initiative is not just about embracing digital transformation, it is about creating high-skilled jobs, enhancing industrial resilience and positioning Malaysia as a leader in advanced manufacturing.
“So far, nearly 500 companies have benefited under the Intervention Fund managed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
“We hope to achieve a minimum target of 2,500 more by 2030,” he told reporters after officiating the MIDF 2025 Roadshow today, themed “Embracing Global Competitiveness: Future Ready and Halal Businesses.”
The Intervention Fund provides financial assistance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies and ultimately transform into smart factories.
The NIMP 2030 is Malaysia’s national strategy to drive Industry 4.0 adoption among manufacturing and manufacturing-related services companies by helping businesses transition into smart manufacturing through automation, digitalisation, and advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and robotics.
During the launch of the roadshow, the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) introduced two key initiatives, namely the Future Ready Financing (FRF) and Halal Accreditation Technology Improvement (HATI) programmes.
The FRF helps SMEs adopt Industry 4.0 technologies and automation for enhanced competitiveness, while HATI supports SMEs in upgrading technology to meet halal certification standards.
Hanafi lauded this support from MIDF, highlighting the substantial amount of funds needed to achieve the smart manufacturing target set under NIMP 2030.
“The smart manufacturing initiative requires significant financing, as establishing 3,000 smart factories -- with an estimated RM5 million per company -- amounts to a total requirement of RM15 billion.
“Given the substantial amount, which the government cannot afford to provide through grants or soft loans alone, participation from commercial banks is crucial to supporting the aspirations of NIMP 2030,” he said, adding that the halal industry also requires financial support to grow.
He also noted that participation from financial institutions like MBSB Bhd is also crucial in meeting the financing needs of the industry.
Earlier in his keynote speech, Hanafi lauded the FRF and HATI as pivotal in empowering SMEs to integrate new technologies, enabling them to compete effectively on the global stage.
“I firmly believe that through strong collaboration between the government, industry players, and SMEs, we can drive Malaysia’s industrial transformation forward, ensuring our businesses remain relevant, competitive, and future-ready,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
