Kibing’s new glass factory testimony to Sabah Maju Jaya Plan’s success — Hajiji
31 Oct 2023
The opening of the RM3 billion Sabah Kibing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn Bhd Factory is a testament to the success of the state government’s Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 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 the form of economic development and employment opportunities for the benefit of Sabah and her people,” he said at the grand opening of the factory at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park on Tuesday.
The chief minister said the state government is committed to ensuring that investing in Sabah is as seamless as possible.
“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 comprehensive support, guidance, and a conducive environment for investors to thrive and succeed,” he said.
Regarding the Kibing Group venture, he said the task force had expedited the factory’s operational commencement to under 24 months after the signing of the initial agreement in January 2022.
“This achievement 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 here in Sabah.
“I wish to 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 Kibing venture, to Sabah.
“These investments are not just about numbers on a financial ledger. They are about creating employment, fostering innovation and improving the lives of our people,” he said.
Hajiji recalled his visit to the Kibing’s first glass factory at the Tuanku Jaafar Industrial Area in Negeri Sembilan two years ago following an invitation from Kibing Group chairman Yu Qi Bing and president Datuk Lim Swee Ee, where the chairman informed him that the group was keen to establish 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.
He said the significance of this endeavour cannot be overstated.
“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.
“This achievement not only promises economic growth but also underscores our commitment to sustainability and green technology. The venture also created job opportunities, with 1,100, or more than 80% of its 1,300 workers, being Sabahans,” he said.
Hajiji said this has not only strengthened the local workforce but has also enriched the livelihoods of citizens, providing them with stable employment.
He was optimistic that the Kibing Group would continue to thrive and play an instrumental role in contributing to Sabah’s long-term prosperity.
“The Sabah government, on its part, remained committed to extending its welcome to investors such as the Kibing Group from China, acknowledging the invaluable role they play in the economic growth and development of the state.
“The state government will continue to be an investor-friendly destination and committed to expediting economic growth and development,” he added.
Source: Bernama
