KUALA LUMPUR: SBH Kibing Solar New Materials Sdn Bhd has opened its new manufacturing facility at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), which spans 130 acres, as part of its RM3 billion investment plan.
This plant will manufacture solar photovoltaic glass and create 1,400 new jobs.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor graced the opening ceremony.
Officials from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Sabah State government were also present, including Yu Qibing, chairman of Kibing Group.
Investment, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz welcomed SBH Kibing Solar's RM3 billion expansion through its second manufacturing plant in Sabah.
"This reflects the company's confidence in Malaysia's attractiveness as an investment hub, as well as in our policies on sustainable manufacturing and green economy, particularly as emphasised by the recently launched New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030)," he said.
Zafrul said this significant investment in the new plant reaffirms Malaysia's standing as a key player in the complete manufacturing value chain for solar PVs while also supporting Malaysia's achievement of its net zero GHG emission goal by 2050.
"We applaud SBH Kibing Solar's investment and its potential for higher-paying, quality employment opportunities, particularly for Malaysians in Sabah," he added.
Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman, chief executive officer of MIDA, said: "We extend our heartfelt congratulations to SBH Kibing Solar for its commitment to advancing Malaysia's glass industry and ecosystem. It also serves as evidence of the company's trust in Malaysia's abilities, facilities, and workforce."
Arham said MIDA is optimistic that the new solar photovoltaic glass manufacturing facility will serve as a guiding light for the entire industry, motivating others to emulate its path and contribute to our shared progress and achievements.
"The spillover from this investment would certainly benefit Sabah in many ways, including the transfer of technology and job creation. This would inevitably aid in progressing the state into a thriving manufacturing centre and stimulating the economic development of Sabah," he said.