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New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah microalgae MoU marks significant step towards green economy
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is taking a step towards a green economy by growing microalgae to produce biofuel, bioplastics and other sustainable products. Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the initiative could help create new industries, attract investment and generate high-skilled jobs in the state. "Microalgae has strong economic potential. It can support the biomass industry and be used to produce green energy, which fits well with Sabah's focus on sustainability," he said after witnessing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (SAIP) Sdn Bhd and CCE Power Holdings Sdn Bhd here today. SAIP was represented by its board director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, who is also University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) chairman, whereas CCE Power founder and chief executive officer Tham Weng Kong signed on behalf of the company, which is based in Negri Sembilan and working with partner companies from Japan. The MOU signified the beginning of a powerful collaboration to produce microalgae biomass as feedstock for the largest biomass power plant in the world. Phoong, who is also SAIP's chairman, said his company was established 17 years ago to drive innovation. He said Sabah could potentially be positioned as one of the most prominent algae industry hubs in the country. He said Sabah must be ambitious in pursuing innovative solutions and actively seek new ideas to address the state's current challenges. "We must use innovation, use technology to leapfrog Sabah's development, and bring in new technology and high-skilled manufacturing activities so that our young people can find skilled jobs, and technology transfer can take place. "Imagine if we successfully build a microalgae and biomass manufacturing hub in Sabah, many job opportunities could be created," he said. Phoong said although neighbouring Sarawak was developing its own algae cultivation industry, they were using a photosynthesis-based system, which was different from the method that would be used in Sabah. "Sabah will be using heterotrophic technology, which doesn't require sunlight to grow microalgae," he said, adding that this presented a very good opportunity to develop new high-value manufacturing industries. Phoong added that although the development mechanisms differed, the goal remained the same. "We will start with 100 hectares first, just like Sarawak did, before expanding to 1,000 hectares. They did it with their Japanese partners." Tham of CCE Power explained that heterotrophic technology is a closed-tank system with a shorter production cycle, requiring only five to seven days to harvest, with a yield of nearly 60 per cent. "This will help develop Sabah and support its progress towards commercialisation and prove that it can benefit both the economy and environment," he said.
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah investments third largest in first quarter
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 Text Size: Phoong said despite facing various challenges, including global economic uncertainties, geopolitical pressures and infrastructure requirements, his Ministry has made every effort to ensure domestic and foreign investors' continued confidence in coming to Sabah. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded approved investments totalling RM10.9 billion for the first quarter (1Q) of this year, representing the third highest in Malaysia after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly was told Tuesday. State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the manufacturing sector emerged as the biggest contributor with an investment value of RM7.3 billion. 'As a result, the manufacturing sector investment in Sabah for 1Q of this year was the highest in Malaysia,' he said. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan–Senallang) who asked what measures have been taken to address issues that have deterred investors from coming to the State since 2020. Phoong said despite facing various challenges, including global economic uncertainties, geopolitical pressures and infrastructure requirements, his Ministry has made every effort to ensure domestic and foreign investors' continued confidence in coming to Sabah. He noted that the State Manufacturing Investment Task Force was established to assist investors, whether foreign or local, in resolving various issues and meeting their requirements. In addition, allocations have been made to improve basic infrastructure and utilities at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip) and Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu. This includes a RM40 million allocation for constructing a 33kV/11kV main distribution substation for Sogip, which is currently underway. 'The Government, through Jetama Sdn Bhd, is also implementing an initiative to provide fresh water specifically for industrial use. This is actively being carried out at POIC Lahad Datu, involving the use of seawater desalination technology to produce fresh water for factory and industrial use,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah ranks third in Malaysia for Q1 2025 investments with RM10.9 billion
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah secured RM10.9 billion in approved investments during the first quarter of 2025, ranking third in Malaysia after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. The manufacturing sector dominated with RM7.3 billion, making Sabah the top state for manufacturing investments nationwide. Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe highlighted the state's efforts to maintain investor confidence despite global economic uncertainties and infrastructure challenges. The State Manufacturing Investment Task Force was established to assist both foreign and local investors in resolving operational hurdles. Key infrastructure projects include upgrades at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), and Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu. A RM40 million project is underway to build a 33kV/11kV main distribution substation at SOGIP. Additionally, Jetama Sdn Bhd is implementing a seawater desalination initiative at POIC Lahad Datu to supply fresh water for industrial use. 'This technology ensures sustainable water access for factories,' said Phoong. - Bernama
Daily Express
07-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Esteel Green Steel project in Sipitang gains momentum with major milestones
Published on: Monday, July 07, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 07, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn. Bhd. has ramped up its investment in a multi-billion ringgit green steel plant at Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), signalling strong investor confidence in Sabah. Industrial Development Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said key achievements include the signing of a land lease for Phase 2 and 3, a RM35 million deposit, a gas supply deal with SEC and PETRONAS, and a jetty construction contract with CCCC. The project has secured all key approvals—development, earthwork, and environmental—and site clearing is underway. Significant progress is expected by July–August 2025, aligning with Sabah's goal to become a regional high-tech industrial hub. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Esteel's green steel investment on track, physical works underway
Phoong KOTA KINABALU (July 7): The investment by Esteel Sabah Sdn Bhd in the state is proceeding as planned, with support from the State Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE), said Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. Phoong said the company's ongoing expansion efforts and increased investment volume reflect strong confidence in Sabah's economic prospects. This confidence was further demonstrated with the signing of the Land Lease Agreement for Phases 2 and 3 at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) on December 31, 2024. As part of its commitment, Esteel made an initial RM35 million deposit to ensure smooth project implementation. Following the issuance of the Foreign Manufacturing License (FML) in late January 2025, Esteel has undertaken proactive and systematic follow-up actions to maintain momentum. In February, Esteel signed a Natural Gas Supply Agreement with Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC) and Petronas, securing a reliable and sufficient energy supply to support operations at its upcoming green steel plant. The company completed the redesign process to match its expanded operational scale and, in March and April 2025, conducted a transparent and competitive bidding process for the construction of a private jetty. This culminated in the signing of the Phase 1 Jetty Construction Contract with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) on May 30, 2025 — the same day as the official launch of Esteel's Phase 1 Investment Project, officiated by the Prime Minister. Several other key milestones have also been achieved, including: Approval of the Development Plan for the green steel plant by the Sipitang District Council; Review and clearance of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), confirming compliance with environmental regulations; Approval of the Earthwork Plan by the Sipitang District Council, allowing physical work to proceed; Signing of EIA conditions by Esteel as a formal commitment to environmental sustainability throughout the project. To expedite construction, Esteel has finalized a contract for site clearing and preparation, with physical work now in full swing.
