KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15- Malaysia's robust 5% economic growth highlights the effectiveness of government policies in ensuring sustainable and competitive development.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that this success must translate into direct benefits for the people, including job opportunities, new business openings, improved infrastructure, and enhanced living standards.

He stated that the MADANI Government is committed to advancing basic infrastructure, ensuring access to clean water, electricity, and internet for rural communities.

To uplift Bumiputera economic well-being, the government plans to strengthen access to strategic financing, such as through MARA, to further drive national economic empowerment.

He added that through the National TVET Council, efforts will continue to produce highly skilled talent to meet the demands of rapidly growing industries like automation, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and smart engineering.

These initiatives, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid stated, not only create more job opportunities but also ensure Malaysia remains competitive in the modern economy.

He also highlighted the halal industry as a key driver of economic growth, urging Malaysia to maintain its position as a global halal hub by strengthening the ecosystem, expanding export markets, and enabling more Bumiputera entrepreneurs to enter the international market.

Additionally, the tourism sector remains a major contributor to the national economy.

The upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is expected to further boost this sector by focusing on eco-tourism, agro-tourism, Islamic tourism, and cultural tourism.

Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid expressed confidence that Malaysia is on a solid path toward sustainable and inclusive growth.

He called for strong collaboration between the government, private sector, and citizens to ensure the benefits of economic progress are shared across all levels of society.