SEREMBAN, Jan 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is proud that the government’s efforts to attract investors to Malaysia have bear fruit.

He said as an example, when a multinational company like Kellogg wanted to invest, they would make comparison with other countries.  

“They would not mention the countries they made the comparison, but what is for sure is that Kellogg would conduct a study and conclude that Malaysia, especially the site in Negri Sembilan, is the most competitive in Southeast Asia,” he said the ground-breaking ceremony for Kellogg’s new factory at Bandar Enstek here today.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, Negeri Sembilan Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Kellogg Co’s Asia-Pacific President, Amit Banati.

Najib said this was the reason Malaysia has surged to the sixth position among 189 economies in the latest World Bank Doing Business 2014 report, a leap of six points within a year.

“What is the proof ... it is Kellogg has picked Malaysia as the site for its new factory.

“If we were not a pro-business and pro-investment government, the World Bank would not have evaluated Malaysia as the sixth most friendliest country to conduct business,” said Najib.

He said the government not only paid attention to creating a conducive business environment at the federal level but also at the state level.

The establishment of the plant was not only an achievement for Kellogg but also for the food manufacturing sector, he said.

“We are proud that a renowned global brand like Kellogg has selected this location and Malaysia to set up their new plant, to not only cater to the Malaysian market but also Asia-Pacific.

“Perhaps, it is difficult to imagine but in 18 months, consumers in Japan and South Korea will be enjoying their Kellogg cornflakes breakfast manufactured in Malaysia. — Bernama