KUALA LUMPUR: Continuous investment in infrastructure projects is helping Malaysia strengthen its position as a regional trade and investment hub while boosting global competitiveness.

Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said the government remains committed to infrastructure projects such as highways, ports, and airports, aiming to achieve a gross domestic product growth target of five to six per cent under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

"The availability of robust transport infrastructure facilitates the smooth movement of goods and people, contributing to public welfare and accelerating economic activities, including tourism, travel, and import and export," she told the Dewan Rakyat in a question-and-answer session today.

However, Hanifah noted that project distribution remains constrained by budget and financial capacity, alongside considerations such as sustainability, urgency, criticality and public safety.

She was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi (GPS-Sri Aman) on key infrastructure plans to support Malaysia's economic growth and competitiveness globally.

Hanifah added that the infrastructure plan also benefits underserved areas like rural regions in Sabah and Sarawak through enhanced basic infrastructure, increased mobility, and improved digital connectivity, optimising land use for the rural economy.

"Key indicators set under the 12MP Mid-Term Review for Sabah and Sarawak include a target of 98 per cent coverage for clean water access and 99 per cent for electricity access.

"Additional indicators are the construction and upgrading of 700 km of rural roads, new sites for digital infrastructure, and increased internet connectivity points in rural schools," she added.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/11/1133747/malaysia-ramps-infrastructure-strengthen-global-competitiveness