The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) expressed its hope today that the 14th general election would be held as soon as possible so that businesspersons could stay focused on their businesses.

FMM president Soh Thian Lai also hoped that the government would implement policies that are business-friendly, no matter what the election result may be.

"We hope that the election can be completed as fast as possible, so that everyone can stay focused on their businesses.

"I do not know (the polling date) because this is the prime minister's decision... For us manufacturers, we will definitely focus on our businesses, regardless of what happens in the election, when or the result.

"For us, we practise good manufacturing practices, and we all do our part as responsible manufacturers.

"It is good to hold a fast election as long as the government implements good measures, physical policies, infrastructure and policies that are business-friendly," Soh (photo) said after launching the "FMM-MIER Business Condition Survey" for the second half of 2017.

Business conditions positive

The survey results showed that business conditions were favourable for the Malaysian manufacturing sector in 2H-2017, as sales, production volumes, capacity utilisation and employment picked up pace, in parallel with the improving economy.

The outlook for business conditions in the first half of 2018 are also positive, as trade growth and investment recovery, benefitting from a stronger ringgit, are expected to help spur the national economy.

The biannual survey was carried out from Nov 15, 2017, until Jan 12, 2018, with responses from 414 of FMM's 3,000 members. 

It reviews several economic indicators to gauge the manufacturing sector's business confidence,  including business conditions, local sales, export sales, production volume, capacity ultilisation, capital investment, employment and cost of production.

According to the findings, the business conditions index in 2H-2017 surged 14 points to 115 points, which was higher than the 101 points recorded in 1H-2017.

Local sales increased from 87 points to 107 points, export sales from 109 points to 113 points, production volume from 105 points to 122 points, capacity utilisation from 103 points to 118 points, capital investment from 113 points to 116 points, and number of employees from 109 points to 110 points.