Kibing Group exports 672 tonnes of Sabah’s first batch of solar glass to Cambodia

Kibing Group exports 672 tonnes of Sabah’s first batch of solar glass to Cambodia

23 Apr 2024

The Kibing Group has successfully exported its inaugural batch of solar glass manufactured in Sabah, totalling 672 tonnes, to Cambodia last Sunday (April 21). 

The estimated product value amounted to RM1.43 million.

Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe announced this during the Sabah State Legislative Assembly  session on Tuesday.

Phoong highlighted that Kibing’s production of solar glass is set to increase to 876,000 tonnes annually starting this May, with an estimated product value of RM1.86 billion when the plant reaches full operational capacity. 

“This will simultaneously increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to Sabah’s gross domestic product (GDP), as well as the state’s export value,” he said.

He said this when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks for the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin’s policy speech involving his ministry at the assembly.

During the session, Phoong elaborated on his ministry’s coordination of the Kibing Group’s proposed investment to expand the solar glass production capacity at its factory in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), by adding a third production line. 

This is expected to generate an additional investment of RM700 million and create up to 600 job opportunities, he said.

Phoong also highlighted his ministry’s efforts to attract more investment in downstream industries to add value to Sabah’s raw materials and mineral resources, thus developing a more comprehensive industrial ecosystem. 

“Various incentives are available to investors through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), including income tax exemptions, investment tax allowances, grants, import duty exemptions and sales tax exemptions for raw materials, machinery, and related equipment,” he said.

He also emphasised the collaboration between his ministry, Mida, and the Sabah Economic and Investment Authority (Sedia) in promoting investments in Sabah. 

Additionally, the Sabah government offers competitive land rental costs in industrial parks to attract investors, he said.

The session concluded with the Sabah State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Al-Hambra Tun Juhar adjourning the meeting until Wednesday (April 24).

Source: Bernama