The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Malay: Lembaga Pembangunan Pelaburan Malaysia), abbreviated MIDA, previously known as Malaysian Industrial Development Authority is the government's principal agency to oversee and drive investment into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia.
Starting operations in 1967, MIDA was given the mandate to promote investments in the manufacturing and services sectors; and to advise the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on industry matters including the formulation of related policies.
MIDA assists companies which intend to invest in the manufacturing and services sectors, as well as facilitates the implementation of their projects.
Regionally, there are two levels of incentives: one for Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang, and another for the rest of the country.
[4] However, the Foreign Investment Advisory Service of the World Bank has praised MIDA, saying it could be relied on "to provide practically all the approvals and clearances needed" and that "the involvement of MIDA on behalf of an investor effectively guaranteed approvals and permits to be forthcoming without difficulties".