By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Feb 28 — The state government will focus on the semiconductor industry this year in a bid to enhance its economy and better compete against countries in Southeast Asia.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said Selangor is embarking on this strategic move to attract more businesses involved in the industry to invest in Selangor amid the ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States.
He added the state government is currently engaging in discussions with industry players from both China and Taiwan to materialise this goal.
“In January 2024, I engaged in discussions with leading players in the manufacturing sector from Malaysia, China, and Taiwan, particularly focusing on the semiconductor industry, which is experiencing significant growth in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).
“There will be an announcement soon about our new approach to attract semiconductor industry players to relocate (to Selangor) due to the trade war between China and the United States,” he said in the State Legislative Assembly today.
Amirudin said with Malaysia currently competing against Vietnam in several key focus areas, it is crucial for Selangor to remain at the forefront.
“Hence, in 2024, we have outlined specific initiatives to be implemented within the semiconductor industry,” he said.
The Menteri Besar was responding to a question from Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s Port Klang state assemblyman Azmizam Zaman Huri on the state government’s main sector of focus to boost Selangor’s economic activity.
The US-China trade war has been going on for years, resulting in significant implications for the semiconductor industry.
Tensions between the two countries have led to, among other things, the imposition of tariffs, export controls, and restrictions on technology transfers, affecting semiconductor companies.
