PENANG has surged ahead of all other states to emerge as Malaysia’s top exporting state, contributing an impressive 44.2% to the nation’s total exports in January 2026.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stressed that Penang outperformed Johor, Selangor, Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur to claim the number one position, recording RM65 billion in exports, a remarkable 51.6% year-on-year (YoY) growth.
“In January 2026, Malaysia recorded a total trade of RM272.4 billion, representing a 24.1% increase compared to the same period last year, with export growth of 19.6%.
“Among the five leading states contributing to national exports, Penang surpassed all other states and emerged as the top exporting state in Malaysia.
“Penang recorded RM65 billion in exports with a 51% growth compared to last year, contributing 44% to national exports. These are figures we are extremely proud of,” he said.
Nationally, Malaysia registered total exports of RM146.9 billion in January 2026, an increase of RM24.1 billion, while imports stood at RM125.5 billion, rising by RM6.3 billion year-on-year.
Penang was also the largest contributor to the overall increase in national exports, accounting for RM22.1 billion of the total rise.
Chow attributed the outstanding performance to the collective strength of Penang’s industrial ecosystem.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to all exporting industries in Penang, the various chambers of commerce, industry associations and all stakeholders who have contributed to this excellent performance.
“As a state government, our role is to ensure that we provide strong support for industries and businesses so they can continue achieving strong results,” he said.
Penang also emerged as Malaysia’s largest importing state, commanding a 25.8% share of total imports, ahead of Selangor (25.1%) and Johor (21.7%), with imports increasing by RM3.7 billion year-on-year.
The Chief Minister said the state would continue advocating for more federal infrastructure projects while ensuring sufficient industrial land is made available through the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) to meet investor demand.
In a clear signal of sustained investor confidence, Chow revealed that he personally met potential investors last Wednesday at Komtar together with InvestPenang, despite usually not being directly involved in negotiations.
“Due to their tight schedule, they requested to meet me in Komtar together with InvestPenang to discuss their expansion plans in Penang.
“Within just 30 minutes of discussion, we reached an agreement for them to purchase five acres of industrial land in Batu Kawan Phase 3 to expand their factory operations in Penang.
“This is a clear example that Penang’s economy is currently very vibrant, supported by global conditions that are favourable to Malaysia,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the state’s broader trajectory, Chow said Penang’s social economy would continue to expand, with South Seberang Perai (SPS) identified as a key focus area to ensure balanced growth between the mainland and the island.
“I am confident that the growth of the social economy in Penang will continue to expand.
“SPS will be a key focus so that we can balance development and economic growth throughout Seberang Perai and the island,” he added.
Chow was speaking at the Jawi state constituency Chinese New Year Open House held at SJKC Pai Teik in Nibong Tebal earlier today.
Also present were Jawi assemblyman H’ng Mooi Lye, who is also the state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman, and Penang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Alissala Thian