Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a RM5 million allocation under the Bumiputera Semiconductor Action Plan to boost Bumiputera companies’ participation in Malaysia’s high-technology supply chain.
The New Straits Times reported the prime minister saying the initiative is meant to help Bumiputera firms establish themselves within the semiconductor ecosystem, not to replace existing industry players.
“Penang should capitalise on its position as the country’s semiconductor hub by expanding Bumiputera companies’ participation in the industry’s high-technology supply chain,” Anwar said at the opening of the Penang International Halal Trade Exhibition (PIHEX) 2026 and the Penang Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Gathering (HUBPP) at Seberang Perai Polytechnic in Permatang Pauh.
Penang has become the most prominent semiconductor hub in Southeast Asia, with its electrical and electronics sector helping Malaysia achieve continuous economic growth, according to Free Malaysia Today. Anwar said the allocation would enhance Bumiputera involvement in the high-tech sector’s supply chain.
“I have set aside RM5 million for this Bumiputera semiconductor (initiative) as an initial fund,” he said.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, stressed that Bumiputera participation must be encouraged as the country’s semiconductor sector grows.
“We are not trying to replace the existing large firms. That is impossible. But we can ensure that more Bumiputera companies can be part of the semiconductor industry supply chain,” he said.
The prime minister said the perception that Bumiputeras in Penang lag in economic development should be corrected. Records and data show their overall economic participation in the state is stronger than in most Malay-majority states in Peninsular Malaysia.
“There is a perception that Muslim and Bumiputera participation in Penang is weak, but the records and facts show that the overall performance of Bumiputeras in Penang is better than in most Malay-majority states in the peninsula,” he said.
Anwar said Penang has the potential to become one of the best-performing states in Bumiputera economic participation through strategic collaboration among Bumiputera development agencies at federal and state levels.
He instructed all Bumiputera development agencies in Penang to align under a single strategic framework so initiatives are implemented more effectively instead of operating in silos.
Penang Bumiputera Development Council (MPBPP) chairman Tan Sri Khalid Ramli has been tasked to coordinate all Bumiputera agencies, regardless of ministry or department, under the Bumiputera Economic Development Council.
“I hope to receive a report within the next few weeks so that Penang can emerge as one of the states with the best Bumiputera economic participation in Malaysia, insya-Allah,” Anwar said.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I and Penang Halal Industry Development Council chairman Datuk Dr Mohamad Abd Hamid, and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din were among those present at the event.
