KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 — Approved foreign direct investment into Malaysia reached RM160 billion up to June this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today, as he called it a sign of growing confidence in the country’s economy and policies.

The investments are expected to create 72,000 jobs from 3,000 projects, Anwar said in a speech delivered at Khazanah Nasional Berhad’s 30th anniversary celebration here.

The approved FDI from January to June this year was an 18 per cent increase from the same period last year.

"This level of investment was achieved with the help of all agencies and ministries,” he said.

"We can expect to see 3,000 projects that would create 79,000 jobs, opportunities for our children.”

Khazanah commenced operations in 1994, assuming a custodial role in managing the Government’s commercial assets and investing in strategic and high-technology sectors.

In his speech, Anwar also congratulated the sovereign wealth fund as it celebrated its 30th anniversary but cautioned against complacency.