MELAKA (Aug 24): Melaka’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose to RM50.3 billion last year from RM48.8 billion in 2024, representing growth of 3%, Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh said.

He said Melaka also recorded RM14.68 billion in approved investments in 2025, involving 312 projects, its highest investment figure in 22 years.

“While the figure is large, I do not want the people to see it as just a number. InshaaAllah, the RM14.68 billion will translate into job opportunities and livelihoods.

“The factories being built will create opportunities for people in Melaka, while economic progress will eventually improve families’ quality of life,” he said.

Ab Rauf was speaking at the 2026 Melaka state honours investiture ceremony, held in conjunction with the official celebration of Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam’s 77th birthday at Seri Negeri in Ayer Keroh on Monday.

He said Melaka was not pursuing development to look impressive on paper, but that it must bring value to the state and tangible benefits to its people.

“That is why we are strengthening strategic sectors such as semiconductors, high-tech manufacturing, logistics and the digital economy, while developing local talent through technical education and technical and vocational education and training,” he said.

He said the buoyant economy was also accompanied by stronger state finances, with revenue collection reaching RM319.8 million as at July 31, equivalent to 60.46% of the annual estimate of RM528.9 million.

On that footing, two state-owned subsidiaries, Melaka ICT Holdings Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Air Melaka Bhd (SAMB), are being prepared for listings on Bursa Malaysia, targeted as early as the first quarter of 2028 and 2029, respectively, he said.

On digital transformation, Ab Rauf said mobile internet coverage in populated areas had reached 100%.

“This strength is being further enhanced through 5G coverage, which has reached 89.9% via the Digital Nasional Bhd network and 94.1% via U Mobile’s network.

“More importantly, over the three years I have led this administration, 63 new transmitter structures have been built, 303 transmitter stations upgraded and 77,774 new fibre-optic connections provided, bringing the total to more than 233,000 high-capacity connections at residential and business premises,” he added.

Uploaded by Liza Shireen Koshy