The largest semiconductor manufacturer in the world, Intel Corporation (Intel Corp), has committed to investing USD 15.8 billion (MYR 70 billion) in Malaysia over a ten-year period. The company intends to invest approximately USD 6.77 billion (MYR 30 billion) to increase the size of its operations in Penang and Kulim, Kedah.
Intel Corp announced the construction of a new chip-packaging and testing factory in Malaysia in 2021, and it is anticipated that production will begin in 2024. This came after a global shortage of semiconductor chips, which was partly brought on by a pandemic-driven increase in demand for devices and supply chain disruptions. The chip assembly industry in Malaysia, which represents more than a tenth of a global market worth over USD 20 billion, has issued a warning that shortages will continue through 2023.
Intel was among the pioneers in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry in Malaysia, which started in 1972. Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz has emphasized that Intel’s expanded investment is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs and also over 5,000 jobs in the construction sector.
(Sources: New Straits Times; The Star)
