Currently, there are more than 670 licensed companies in operation with investment of RM8.6 billion. In addition, there are more than 1,000 small scale textile companies in operation which are exempted from Manufacturing Licence. The industry employs more than 68,200 persons. 

Malaysia was a net exporter of textile and textile products in 2009 (January – November) with exports totaling RM8.1 billion while imports amounted to RM4.0 billion. The main products exported were apparels and clothing accessories. Malaysian apparel manufacturers continue to maintain excellent reputation for quality and capability in the production of up-market brands such as Nike, Adidas, DKNY, Ann Taylor, Armani, Talbots and Tommy Hilfiger. The main products imported were yarn and woven fabric.

Project Approved in 2009

In 2009, nine new projects were approved with total investment of RM333.6 million. Foreign investment totaled RM225.2 million (67.5%) while domestic investment amounted to RM108.4 million (32.5%).

Of the approved projects, four were for the production of made-up garments and one each for fibre and yarn; fabrics; textile products; textile accessories; and recycling textiles. The projects approved are expected to generate 1,345 employment opportunities

Investment in Projects Approved in the

Textiles and Textile Products Industry by Sub-sector, 2009

                

Significant projects approved included:

·        A new majority foreign-owned project with investment of RM287.8 million for the manufacture of specialty polyester filament yarn. This is the first project of its kind to produce high content micro filament yarn with technical and functional features such as flame-retardant, breathable and anti-bacteria. The project proposed to export its entire production;

·        A new majority foreign-owned project to produce woven fabrics with investment of RM9.5 million and catering mainly for exports to China, Korea and USA; and

·        A new majority foreign-owned project with investment of RM3.2 million for the manufacture of made-up garments. The project proposed to utilize domestic latex sheets and fabric backed latex to produce sportswear, swimwear, skiwear or winter outerwear, mainly for the export market.

Future prospects in Malaysia in the textile industry lie in the promotion of high performance textiles, made-up garments and textile products with functional and technical features both in the upstream and downstream sub-sectors. The application of functional and technical textiles are in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, industrial, construction, anti-ballistic protection (police, army), marine, high performance apparels (fire-fighters, racing), medical, sportswear and filtration.