THE opening of the RM3 billion Sabah Kibing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn Bhd plant is a testament to the success of the State Government’s Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the high-impact investment venture was an example of what can be achieved when the Government, private sector and the community unite with a shared vision.
“This is a result of our collective efforts in economic development and employment opportunities for the benefit of Sabah and her people,” he said at the grand opening of the world-class factory at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), Kota Kinabalu, on Oct 31.
The venture created 1,300 jobs with 1,100 or more than 80 per cent of its workers, being Sabahans.
The Chief Minister said the State Government is serious about ensuring that investing in Sabah is as seamless as possible.
“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 comprehensive support, guidance and a conducive environment for investors to thrive and succeed,” he said.
In the case of the Kibing Group venture, the task force expedited the factory’s operational commencement to under 24 months since the initial agreement was signed in January 2022.
“This underscores the dedicated efforts of the task force, tirelessly working in synergy with various government departments and agencies to transform this investment into a reality in Sabah.
“I emphasise the State Government’s commitment to facilitate investments into Sabah. We are resolute in our mission to create an environment that attracts more investors, such as this venture.
“These investments are not just about numbers on a financial ledger. They are about creating employment, fostering innovation and improving lives,” he said.
Hajiji recalled his visit to Kibing’s first glass factory at the Tuanku Jaafar Industrial Area in Negeri Sembilan two years ago on an invitation from Kibing Group Chairman Yu Qi Bing and President Dato’ Lim Swee Ee where Yu informed him that the Kibing Group was keen to invest its state-of-the-art innovative solar glass manufacturing factory in Sabah.
“Today, the project has become a reality. Thank you to our esteemed Chinese investment partner, the Kibing Group, for their unwavering confidence and commitment in bringing the first phase of this project costing RM3 billion to fruition with the establishment of this cutting-edge solar glass manufacturing factory right here at the KKIP,” he said.
“With an impressive annual production capacity of 440,000 tonnes of solar glass, Sabah has now positioned itself as one of the prominent players in Malaysia’s solar glass manufacturing industry, and we are poised to make significant contributions to the renewable energy sector.
Yu, the People’s Republic of China Consulate-General in Kota Kinabalu Dr Huang Shifang, Deputy Chief Minister II cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib and State Government Secretary Datuk Seri Sr. Safar Untong, among others, were present.
