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KOTA KINABALU – Operations of a multi-billion ringgit solar glass factory set up by China’s Kibing Group commenced today, much before the plant’s scheduled commencement in early 2024.
Construction of the plant, operated by its Malaysian-registered firm, Sabah Kibing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn Bhd, took only 17 months to complete, ahead of the 24 months set for completion.
The lighting of the factory’s furnace was held here today.
Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor described the successful commencement of the plant located at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) as testimony to the state government’s investor-friendly initiatives stipulated in the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.
"Today, the project has become a reality. Thank you to our esteemed Chinese investment partner, the Kibing Group, for their unwavering confidence and commitment in bringing the first phase of this project costing RM3 billion to fruition with the establishment of this cutting-edge solar glass manufacturing factory right here at the KKIP," Hajiji said at the opening of the factory at KKIP here today.
He said the high-impact investment venture is an example of what can be achieved for the state in terms of economic development and employment opportunities for locals.
Hajiji in his speech reiterated the state government's seriousness in ensuring seamless investments into Sabah.
He said that a dedicated investment task force has been created to ensure the objectives are met.
The state had inked the initial agreement with Kibing Group in January 2022. This was followed by the signing of a memorandum of understanding by both parties on August 18, 2022.
The memorandum outlined the Chinese-funded company’s commitment to spend RM3 billion to construct two production lines in Sabah.
One is KKIP, the solar glass panel manufacturing plant with the capacity to produce 2,400 metric tonnes of solar glass
The second is a silica processing factory in Kudat named SBH Kibing Silicon Kudat.
Piling works for the solar glass panel factory started on May 13, 2022 and construction began on May 10 this year, with the production line furnace being ignited today.
Thousands of builders and workers were involved in the 17 months of construction of the factory in KKIP. It is currently hiring 1,100 Sabahans as workers.
Founded in 2005, Kibing Group is listed on the main board at Shanghai Stock Exchange Centre. – The Vibes, October 31, 2023
