Malaysia a safe place to invest, says Tok Pa

There is no need for potential foreign investors to fear coming to Malaysia because the country has always been civil and peaceful.

“Our security personnel have been on the ball, especially since the Jakarta bombing recently, so we think there is no reason for investors to fear,” said Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

“Also, seeing as there are at least 40 foreign investors gathered in this place today, I think they are wise enough not to unnecessarily worry either,” he told reporters during the MIDA – Spirit Aerospace Suppliers Symposium here yesterday.

A total of 40 international participants had flown in to join 65 potential suppliers from Malaysia for the symposium, which discusses the future of the aerospace sector and promote Malaysia as a base for foreign companies.

Malaysia has been on high alert since a bomb and gun attack in Jakarta last month, which was claimed by the Islamic State militant group.

Malaysia had also arrested a suspected militant who confessed to be planning an attack in the country.

An Australian travel advisory over the weekend warned that terrorists may be planing “indiscriminate” attacks in and around Kuala Lumpur, which may target Western interests or locations frequented by Westerners.

It also recommended Australians avoid travelling to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, where the beaches and islands are popular with foreign tourists and diving enthusiasts.

In an immediate reaction, City police chief Comm Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa assured the public that the city is secure despite the terror alert issued by the Australian government.

“We have not received any intelligence to indicate a terror threat.

“We are on constant vigilance and security has been increased over the past few months. The city is safe from any terror threat so far,” he had said.

On another matter, Mustapa said the Malaysian Investment Deve­lopment Authority (MIDA) had approved RM8.7bil in investments in Malaysia’s aerospace sector since 2011.

“Of this amount, half came from last year alone because 2015 was an exceptionally good year for the aerospace industry,” he said.