GEORGE TOWN, Aug 10 — The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) will continue to empower the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector to ensure Malaysia remains an important player in the global technology supply chain.

Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin said the E&E sector is one of the important fields contributing to Malaysia’s position in the global supply chain, including high-tech semiconductors, advanced sensors, and telecommunications.

“This step is important given that Malaysia, especially Penang and the Northern Region, is among the major hubs for the E&E industry, semiconductors, high-tech sensors, and telecommunications. More importantly, the region hosts hundreds of world-class technology manufacturers.

“The E&E sector, particularly the semiconductor industry, plays a strategic role in the country’s economy, with Malaysia being one of the important locations in the global value chain, including semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging activities,” he told reporters after officiating the 2010 Strategic Trade Act (STA) Customer Day and the STA Northern Region Clinic programme in Bayan Lepas today.

Sim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bayan Baru, said Miti is also paying attention to export control compliance aspects to ensure the country’s technology sector and international trade operate in an orderly manner.

Meanwhile, he said Malaysia’s strong trade performance in the first six months of the year provides local companies with an opportunity to improve the welfare of workers, which is among the main contributors to their success.

Therefore, Sim hopes that companies that achieved good performance can share their success with employees through salary increases and bonuses.

Regarding the Northern Region STA Clinic, he said the programme, attended by 86 participants, serves as Miti’s annual engagement platform with industry players, allowing them to receive direct advisory services related to product classification, permit applications, dealings with licensing agencies, and internal audits.

Sim noted that close collaboration between the government and industry players is crucial to ensure Malaysia remains a trusted destination for investment and the production of high-impact technology. — Bernama