Citing the figure by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the chief minister said he believes Melaka could reach the RM5 billion investment target set for every year.

“We have worked hard to make Melaka an investment-friendly state. We hope more investors will invest here this year,” he said during the opening ceremony of the Audemars Microtec (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd’s production facility in Angkasa Nuri Industrial Park in Durian Tunggal.

The chief minister said that there are 60 semiconductor factories in Melaka, reflecting Melaka’s image as a popular choice for electrical and electronics investments in the region.

“The manufacturing and industrial sectors are the backbone of Melaka’s economic development. In 2022, these sectors contributed 37.2% to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP).

“Currently, there are more than 185,000 workers in Melaka’s industrial sector,” he said.

Commenting on Audemars Microtec’s presence in Melaka, Ab Rauf said the Swiss company invested RM50 million to set up its operations in the state, specifically in supplying precision micro-components to many of the world’s leading medical device manufacturers.

He also noted that the micro-components production in Melaka is inclusive of those critical key components that enable the functionality of the smallest and most sophisticated implantable, interventional, and wearable medical devices.

“Audemars’ production site in Melaka covers a total area of 0.33 hectares and will focus on the manufacturing of micro-coils and micro-magnets.

“I am glad to hear that Audemars Microtec will, at its full capacity, provide 200 jobs for the people of Melaka,” he added.

Audemars Microtec CEO Mirko Audemars, Melaka state exco in charge of science, technology, innovation, and communication Fairul Nizam Roslan and MIDA deputy CEO S Sivasuriyamoorthy, were also present at the inauguration event.