By WU VUIDE
KUNAK: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah will continue to pursue its claims and outstanding issues at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) meeting chaired by the Prime Minister this Friday.
The issues include Sabah’s entitlement to 40 per cent of net revenue, he said after a working visit to the Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd Phytonutrient Extraction Plant.
Hajiji said the Sabah Government was grateful to the Prime Minister, as nine matters under MA63 had been resolved during his administration, with the relevant powers devolved to Sabah.
“Previously, four matters had been resolved, bringing the total to 13,” he said.
He said the Federal Government had agreed to Sabah’s 40 per cent payment claim, although several technical issues still needed to be resolved.
“This is a normal process because there is an appeal process, but it does not affect the decision for us to receive the 40 per cent payment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji welcomed progress on the Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd Phytonutrient Extraction Plant, which is nearing completion and expected to begin producing vitamin E before the end of this year.
He said the plant was a positive development and an additional business venture for the Sawit Kinabalu Group, using palm-based materials in its production.
“I am very pleased with the briefing earlier from Sawit Kinabalu and its partner company.
“This is a very positive development as an additional activity and business venture for the Sawit Kinabalu Group. All these products are made from palm-based materials and others,” he said.
Hajiji said the project was believed to be the first of its kind in Malaysia and hoped it would increase revenue for Sawit Kinabalu and its partner company.
Hajiji and his entourage were welcomed at the plant by Sawit Kinabalu chairman Datuk Hazem Mubarak Musa and group managing director and group chief executive officer Datuk Victor Ationg.
Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd is a subsidiary of the Sawit Kinabalu Group, which operates the Phytonutrient Extraction Plant in Kunak.
Hajiji with Sawit Kinabalu’s senior management showing SKT3 (Sawit Kinabalu Tocotrienols).
