GOMBAK: Tesla and SpaceX’s investments in Malaysia can create “tens of thousands” of high-value jobs, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“The agreement with Elon Musk earlier was a good development,” said Anwar, referring to his virtual meeting with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO this morning.
“(The combined investments by) SpaceX, Starlink, and electric vehicles (Tesla) will provide tens of thousands of skilled jobs (for Malaysians),” he told reporters after Friday prayers.
Following his 25-minute meeting with Musk, who is the world’s richest man, Anwar announced that Tesla will set up its Malaysian headquarters, as well as service centres, in Selangor this year.
Anwar added that Musk’s private spaceflight company SpaceX will operate as an internet service provider (ISP) using low-orbit satellites. This will be done via Starlink, the satellite network developed by SpaceX to provide low-cost internet to remote areas.
Tesla entry could boost related tech investments
Meanwhile, Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari said locations in the Petaling and Sepang districts are among those which have been identified for the site, with relevant authorities in both districts prepared to facilitate and coordinate the investment entry process.
Amirudin said Tesla’s investment in Malaysia reflects the investor community’s general confidence in the Selangor state government, adding that he hoped it would encourage more international battery technology companies to invest in the state as well.
“This will increase the younger generation’s desire to delve into high-tech fields, specifically, in the clean energy industry,” he said in a statement.
“This development is also in line with the state government’s aspiration to make Selangor the most efficient 5G state in Southeast Asia, serving as a foundation to attract more investors from both domestic and international sources, which will offer higher-paying job opportunities – especially to the people of Selangor.”
