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The Ministry of Investment, trade and Industry (MITI) aims to set up a minimum of 3,000 smart factories by 2030 as part of Malaysia’s industrial transformation under the New Industrial Master Plan (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 benefit 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 noted.

The Intervention Fund provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies and ultimately transform into smart factories.

Recently, 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 aims to help SMEs adopt Industry 4.0 technologies and automation for enhanced competitiveness, while HATI supports SMEs in upgrading technology to meet halal certification standards.

Hanafi then 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 while lauding 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 that our businesses remain relevant, competitive and future-ready,” he ended.

Source: https://sme.asia/miti-targets-to-establish-3000-smart-factories-by-2030/