ALOR SETAR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Japanese investors will continue to invest in Malaysia as they remain confident of the country's economic stability, says International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir.

"The general consensus among them is that they want to step up their operations in Malaysia to meet global demand after their operations were affected by the tsunami last March," he told reporters here Tuesday night after presenting cash to 140 students who would be pursuing their tertiary education at institutions of higher learning.

Mukhriz said the matter was discussed at length by ministry officials and Japanese investors at a meeting and roundtable discussion held in Tokyo and Osaka recently.

He said Japanese investors were keen to invest in Malaysia's automotive, green technology, electronic, electrical and halal industry.

Japanese investment in Malaysia between 2000 and 2010 totalled RM18.6 billion and accounted for among the largest investments in Malaysia.

In another development, Mukhriz assured foreign investors in the country that their investments in the country were safe and protected in the event of untoward incidents like the recent street rally organised by the opposition.

He said investors were concerned if the political situation in the country were to turn unstable as a result of the July 9 incident and jeopardise Malaysia's image.

"Although the Bersih rally did not dent the country's economy and foreign investments in the country, it did, to a certain extent, affect the country's reputation as a safe and peaceful country.

"The people must realise that the outside world is watching Malaysia every step of the way and a small slip can jeopardise the country's image which is very crucial in luring foreign investors to our shores," he added.

-- BERNAMA