KOTA KINABALU: A new seawater desalination plant will strengthen water security at POIC Lahad Datu, starting with an initial capacity of 0.5 million liters per day (MLD), expandable to 2.5 MLD.
A collaboration between Jetama Sdn Bhd and POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, this marks Sabah's first commercial-scale seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) filtration system for industrial water production.
Jetama CEO Datuk Ahmad Naim Bin Uddang highlighted that the plant will ensure a sustainable water supply for POIC Lahad Datu Industrial Zone.
The project, which shifts Sabah from river-based to seawater desalination, is scalable and adaptable to remote areas.
The agreement was signed today at Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu, witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
The plant will be built on a 3.21-acre site, with seawater intake from the Dry Bulk Terminal. The project will proceed in three phases: design and commissioning of a 0.5 MLD system by May 31, 2025, a three-month Proof of Concept (PoC) and following expansion to 2.5 MLD.
Datuk Ahmad Naim emphasized risk management, including brine and waste management, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and quality.
The initiative is a key step in securing Lahad Datu’s water supply and supporting industrial growth in the region.
