Sabah keen on more high-impact investments after solar glass plant in KK opens

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah remains committed to welcoming more high-impact investors to the state, says Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

The Chief Minister said such investors play an invaluable role in the economic growth and development of Sabah.

“The Sabah government will continue to (make the state) an investor-friendly destination, committed to expediting economic growth and development,” he said on Tuesday (Oct 31).

He was speaking after the opening of the multi-billion ringgit Sabah Kibing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn Bhd solar glass manufacturing facility, owned by China-based Kibing Group, at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) near here.

He added that this was a testament to the success of the state’s Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan.

This high-impact investment venture, he added, was an example of what can be achieved when the government, private sector and community unite with a shared vision.

“This is a result of our collective efforts in the form of economic development and employment opportunities for the benefit of Sabah and her people,” he said.

Hajiji also said that the Sabah government is serious about ensuring a seamless process for investors.

“For this to happen, we have taken proactive steps by establishing a dedicated investment task force committed to facilitating and streamlining the investment process.

“This task force is designed to provide support, guidance and a conducive environment for investors to thrive and succeed,” he said.

In the case of the Kibing Group venture, the Chief Minister said the task force had expedited the factory’s operational start date to under 24 months since the initial agreement was signed in January last year.

“This underscores the dedicated efforts of the task force, tirelessly working with various government departments and agencies to transform this investment into a reality.

“These investments are not just about numbers in a financial ledger. They are about creating employment, fostering innovation and improving the lives of our people,” Hajiji said.

“With an impressive annual production capacity of 440,000 tons of solar glass, Sabah has now positioned itself as a prominent player in Malaysia’s solar glass manufacturing industry, and is poised to make significant contributions to the renewable energy sector.

“This achievement not only promises economic growth but also underscores our commitment to sustainability and green technology,” he added.

The Chief Minister noted that job opportunities came with the venture, as 1,100 or more than 80% of the facility’s 1,300 workers are Sabahans.

“This has not only strengthened our local workforce but has also enriched the livelihoods of our citizens with stable employment,” Hajiji said.