Manufacturing Branches

Abstract

If modern manufacturing emerged during the colonial period, it became the main engine of economic growth in Malaysia after the early 1970s. The post-colonial state, enjoying relative autonomy to embark on domestic accumulation, began promoting industrialization aggressively. In this, the government was presented with good infrastructure, revenue earning primary sectors and the early colonial manufacturing experience. Export revenue generated by the primary sectors helped the government to shelter and subsidize manufacturing. As in colonial Malaya, foreign investment continued to play a major role in Malaysia’s manufacturing expansion.