by ALIFAH ZAINUDDIN/ File pic

SELANGOR remains the main contributor to the national economy in 2016, with a 22.7% share.

Recent data from the Department of Statistics showed that Selangor’s contribution increased by 0.1% from the previous year, driven by performances in the services and manufacturing sector.

“After 60 year of national independence, Selangor continues to lead the nation in contributing to its GDP. Hence, Selangor is also known as the Golden State of Malaysia and the economic powerhouse of the nation,” Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said at the Selangor International Business Summit 2017 in Setia Alam this morning. 

Selangor State senior executive councillor for investment, industry, SME and transportation Datuk Teng Cham Khim said the achievement was a testimony of the strength of Selangor to remain as the economic locomotive of Malaysia.

“This will certainly serve as a stimulant that make Selangor robust and dynamic to achieve the bigger goal of making the state a global trading hub,” he added.

Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur trailed with a 15.3% contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), followed by Sarawak (9.8%), Johor (9.4%), Pulau Pinang (6.7%) and Sabah (6.7%).

Meanwhile, eight states grew faster than the 4.2% national growth, led by WP Labuan with 7.2%.

In 2016, Malaysia’s economy experienced a commendable growth of 4.2%, attributed to improved performances in the services, manufacturing and construction sectors.