NCER Logs RM36.62 Billion in Realised Investments in Penang, Beating Its 2026 Target

Penang has blown past its investment goals for the year with three months still to go. The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) recorded RM36.62 billion in realised investments and 19,033 new jobs in the state as of 30 September 2026, the New Straits Times and Utusan Malaysia reported on 23 October.

The state's 2026 targets were RM22 billion in investments and 9,000 jobs, so both figures are already well ahead.

Where the money is going

Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said the results showed strong investor confidence in Penang's industrial base, especially electrical and electronics (E&E), semiconductors and advanced technology. The figures were presented at the Penang State Steering Committee meeting.

"Based on current performance, we are on track to achieve the cumulative realised investment target of RM278.6 billion by 2030 under the NCER Strategic Development Plan 2026–2030 for the state." (Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan, NCIA, as quoted by the New Straits Times)

Projects reviewed at the meeting

Alongside the headline numbers, the meeting looked at progress on several strategic projects:

• NCER Technology Innovation Centre (NTIC): backed by the Advanced Packaging Institute and Research Centre (APIRC) to strengthen semiconductor capabilities.
• Penang Durian Valley @ Relau: an agrotourism project that is 48% physically complete and targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2027.
• Dapur Sentral Programme: running in the northeast and southwest districts, with plans to expand into Seberang Perai to help local entrepreneurs in the halal food value chain.

Mohamad Haris said the focus is on making sure investments turn into quality jobs, local talent development, stronger micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and inclusive growth.

The bigger NCER picture

Across the whole corridor, which also covers other northern states, the NST noted that the government has set a target of RM470 billion in cumulative realised investment by 2030, up RM126.2 billion from the RM343.8 billion realised so far. E&E, automotive, high-value tourism and modern agriculture are expected to make up about 70% of that.

What this means for Malaysian readers

Big factory investments do not only help the multinationals that make them. Every new plant needs local suppliers, from precision engineering and logistics to cleaning, catering, IT support and staff housing. If you run a business in the north, now is a good time to make sure you are easy to find and easy to vet: a clear company profile, certifications listed, and a website that explains exactly what you supply. For job seekers, the 19,033 jobs created this year point to steady demand in E&E and technical roles. And for food and agro entrepreneurs, programmes like Dapur Sentral and the Durian Valley project are worth following as they expand.

Sources: New Straits Times, "NCER records RM36.62bil investments in Penang, surpasses 2026 target" and Utusan Malaysia, "NCER rekod RM36.62b pelaburan direalisasikan di Pulau Pinang", 23 October 2026. Rewritten in our own words.