By WU VUIDE
KUNAK: Sabah is strategically positioned to meet the needs of the international oleochemical market, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
This follows the opening of the Phytonutrient Extraction Plant by Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd.
He said the plant will also create job opportunities and stimulate local economic development in this district and surrounding areas.
“This plant is proof of the commitment of the Sawit Kinabalu Group to expand and diversify its operations beyond the production of raw commodities.
“This move is in line with the State Government’s aspirations to strengthen the palm oil industry value chain and to ensure that Sabah continues to lead in the high-value downstream sector,” he said at the plant’s opening ceremony.
Hajiji speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Public Works, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Hajiji, who is also Chairman of the Sawit Kinabalu Group, said he was proud of the group’s initiative in producing locally made tocopherol under the brand Sawit Kinabalu Tocotrienols (SKT3), which will be marketed soon.
“This proves that Sabah is innovating in leveraging the wealth of palm oil into high-tech products,” he said.
He added that Malaysia has long imported millions of kilograms of Vitamin E every year.
“With tocotrienol now being produced locally, we are not only reducing import dependency but also opening new opportunities in the nutraceutical market while improving the health of Malaysians,” he said.
He said this development will certainly create significant economic opportunities for palm oil-producing countries to increase production and develop value-added products.
“It also underscores the need for sustainable management and cultivation in the palm oil industry to ensure continuous supply to meet the growing global demand,” he said.
He said the State Government will continue to support investments that sustainably and innovatively develop the palm oil downstream industry.
“I believe this plant will become a key catalyst for state revenue, provide skilled job opportunities for the people, and strengthen Sabah’s position as a palm oil downstream hub in the region,” he said.
