KUALA LUMPUR: Photovoltaic panel manufacturer LONGi Malaysia Sdn Bhd held a ground-breaking ceremony for its new RM1.3 billion Samalaju plant, situated on a 125-acre (50.59-hectare) site.
Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida), stated that the significant investment for the new Samalaju plant underscores Malaysia's position as a prime hub for comprehensive solar ecosystem manufacturing.
According to Arham, this investment and unwavering commitment to sustainable practises are in line with the goals outlined in the country's New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.
"It is also a testament to the company's confidence in the capabilities of our local talent, including highly skilled engineers and technicians.
"We are hopeful that LONGi's pioneering efforts will serve as a shining example for the entire industry, inspiring others to follow suit and contribute to our collective growth and success," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd vice president Li Wenxue said as global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, solar power generation has gradually become a mainstream clean energy source.
"Many countries have established relatively complete solar power generation systems. With the advancement of solar technology, the cost of solar power generation is gradually decreasing and becoming more and more economical.
"The solar industry has huge development potential and will make an important contribution to the global energy transformation," said Li.
Li pointed out that in 2016, LONGi Group inaugurated its very first overseas base in Kuching, which is also the world's first vertically integrated monocrystalline silicon solar manufacturing base.
Owing to Kuching base's smooth operations, LONGi deployed its second major investment project in Sarawak. This project is the first solar manufacturing factory in Bintulu Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP).
According to LONGi, SIP was chosen due to its proximity to its raw material supplier and deep-sea port, as well as its affordable and sizeable industrial lands.
The company said it will have a capacity of six gigawatts (GW), and production is expected to begin at the plant in the first quarter of 2024.
"The new project will hire 1,213 new employees, of whom at least 90 per cent are to be filled by locals and 20 per cent will cater for positions in science, technology, and engineering," it added.
At present, LONGi has hired 4,461 employees in Kuching.