PETALING JAYA: A surge in investments and rising development spending is reshaping Negri Sembilan's economic landscape.
The investment figure, which was a 164% increase from 2024, marked the highest approved investment value recorded by the state, driven largely by the information and communication sector including data centre developments, as well as chemical and electrical and electronics investments.
Prof Dr Yeah Kim Leng, who is director of the economic studies programme at the Jeffrey Cheah Institute of Sunway University, said Negri Sembilan's economy had grown at an annual average rate of 3.1% over the past three years, supported by its strategic location next to Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, KL International Airport and Port Klang.
He said the state's affordable land, business-friendly environment and push towards high-technology and knowledge-based industries had helped attract investors.
"Negri Sembilan is leveraging its geographical advantage to transition into a high-value manufacturing and logistics hub," he said, citing initiatives such as the NS Semiconductor Valley and Aerospace Valley as key drivers of future growth.
On the state's increased development spending from RM4.4bil in 2022 to a projected RM6bil this year, Yeah said infrastructure investments had played an important role in attracting major projects, including data centres and advanced manufacturing facilities.
He said projects under Malaysian Vision Valley 2.0, including industrial parks, logistics infrastructure, smart city developments and public amenities, would help strengthen the state's economic ecosystem.
"However, the challenge is ensuring these investments create inclusive growth, with local talent benefiting from new job opportunities while smaller businesses and lower-income groups are not left behind," he said.
Yeah said the state should prioritise workforce development, affordable housing, public transport and support for small businesses to ensure economic growth improves residents' daily lives.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said Negri Sembilan's investment performance showed increasing attractiveness among investors.
He said RM11.6bil, or 60.8% of approved investments in 2025, came from the information and communication sector, largely driven by data centre developments.
These projects, he said, would create spillover effects in construction, utilities and renewable energy, while improved state finances and federal support had enabled greater infrastructure spending.
Mohd Afzanizam also highlighted the state's affordability and location as factors behind rising migration, with more workers choosing to settle in Negri Sembilan while commuting to Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
He said average house prices in Negri Sembilan stood at RM333,224 in the first quarter of this year, compared with RM826,980 in Kuala Lumpur and RM570,467 in Selangor.
"This migration trend can boost economic activities and property development, particularly in areas such as Nilai, Seremban 2 and Sendayan," he said.
For some residents, maintaining the current development momentum and ensuring assistance reaches those in need remain important priorities.
Restaurant operator Khoo Hai Har, 69, said Negri Sembilan had seen encouraging progress in recent years, pointing to the state's efforts to attract investments and spur development.
"The Mentri Besar (Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun) is also seen trying his best to ease the burden from cost of living.
"We can see his efforts in trying to attract investors and the impact (when it materialises) will definitely be felt by the people," she said.
Khoo said she believed Aminuddin had been fair in extending assistance to people from all communities.
"His efforts somehow reflect Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's initiatives at the federal level.
"More importantly, we hope that the people's needs will be taken care of," she said.
Freelancer Zaili Nasir, 63, said the Pakatan-led administration's welfare initiatives and quick response to emergencies had left a positive impression on him.
Among the aid he received were food baskets during Ramadan, with swift action also taken by local authorities whenever help was needed.
This includes when his home's roof was blown off following a storm that struck the coastal constituency last year.
"The current Mentri Besar has his strengths. On day-to-day matters, the councillors at village chiefs are able to convey the state's aid to us efficiently.
"We can feel the efforts of local leaders to help resolve issues raised," he said.
A business owner, who only wants to be known as Lau, said political stability was important for businesses planning for the long term.
"What businesses value most is predictability. When the state's direction remains consistent, it's easier to make decisions on hiring, inventory and investment," said Lau, 43.
While expressing support, housewife A. Parameswary, 57, stressed the importance of ensuring equal treatment for all Negri Sembilan residents regardless of their backgrounds.
"If given another term, the Mentri Besar must make it a priority to serve everyone equally.
"That is what being Malaysian is about. While focusing on infrastructure and economic development is good, it's also important to think about the welfare of all residents in the state," she said.
S. Elice, 60, said Aminuddin should ensure aid comes easily, especially to those in need.
The restaurant operator, whose leg was recently amputated due to infection, said elected representatives must be easily accessible by the rakyat.
"Always check on your constituents and minimise the red tape. Not all of us are well-versed in such matters, which causes a big barrier when it comes to applying and receiving aid.
"It's the rakyat who voted you in so you have the responsibility to look after us," she said about elected representatives. - Star
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