By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Another 700 Sabahans are expected to be offered employment by the Kibing Group when it launches a recruitment drive in May.
The initiative was commended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who said the new intake would add to the 1,625 Sabahans already employed in various management, engineering, technical, and operations positions within the group.
“This constitutes more than 83 per cent of the Kibing Group’s total workforce. A positive development indeed, as this not only empowers our local communities but also fosters a sense of shared prosperity. Syabas and thank you,” he said at the Aidilfitri reception with Kibing personnel at its factory in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) here.
Earlier, the Chief Minister was briefed that the Kibing Group would embark on its recruitment drive in collaboration with the SMJ Secretariat from May 13 to May 23 at the district offices of Ranau, Tuaran, Beaufort, Papar, Kota Kinabalu, and Penampang.
“I must also stress the importance of prioritising the employment of Sabahans and call upon all industry players to not only employ locals in their workforce but also invest in their training and development.
“This collective effort is essential to ensure that our local workforce possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the industry,” he said.
Hajiji said it was a momentous occasion when the Kibing Group commenced construction of its RM2.5 billion cutting-edge solar glass manufacturing factory in Sabah in 2022.
“Today, the Kibing Group’s presence is not only a transformative venture for Sabah but also a testament to the State Government’s success in pursuing high-impact projects for the state’s progress and economic growth,” he said.
Hajiji also noted that the Kibing Group has since made great strides. In November last year, the group invested in another venture to build a new RM7.2 billion solar glass manufacturing plant in Kimanis.
“To date, the positive ripple effect of the Kibing Group’s presence in Sabah is already evident and encouraging, with over RM50 million in contract value awarded to local companies since construction began.
“We hold a deep sense of optimism that the Kibing Group will continue to thrive and play an instrumental role in contributing to Sabah’s long-term prosperity,” he said.
During the briefing, Hajiji was also informed that Kibing’s first line is running at full production, exporting 1,500 containers valued at USD14 million per month.
Kibing’s second line is expected to reach full production in June this year, while its third line is anticipated to do so by the end of the year.
Kibing’s export destinations include Southeast Asia, South Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe.
“I wish to emphasise the State Government’s commitment to facilitating investments into Sabah. We are resolute in our mission to create an environment that attracts more investors.
“These investments are also about creating employment, fostering innovation, and improving the lives of our people,” he said.
Also present were Federal Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd, Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, and State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.
