A memorandum of understanding was inked on Thursday to establish a unique agro-energy partnership in Sabah, where a 150MW solar photovoltaic facility will be built alongside large-scale poultry farming on 500 acres of government land in Nabawan, in the interior divisions of Sabah.
The MoU, signed between Koperasi Star Sabah Berhad and High Power New Energy Sdn Bhd, marks what is believed to be the first such integrated project in Malaysia — combining renewable energy generation with livestock production under a single land-use model.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who witnessed the signing, said the initiative signals a new approach to sustainable development in Sabah’s interior.
“This project is not just about energy. It’s about improving lives, creating jobs and opening doors for rural communities,” said Jeffrey who is also Sabah’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (MAFFI).
While the MoU outlines ambitious plans, the overall cost of the project was not disclosed during the ceremony held at Hilton Hotel in Kota Kinabalu.
According to Kitingan, the partnership aligns with the Sabah government’s rural upliftment agenda.
He said the project would help address electricity shortages in the interior, while creating opportunities in poultry farming, solar maintenance, logistics, and local infrastructure.
“This is the first of its kind in Sabah — a hybrid approach that makes full use of land and benefits the people,” he said.
Under the proposed model, High Power New Energy will contribute 10% of its net profits to a state trust fund managed by the Sabah Department of Veterinary Services (JPVS).
Koperasi Star Sabah, meanwhile, plans to set up a dedicated education fund to support youth in the region.
The project is expected to benefit local cooperative members economically while also providing vocational training and community development support.
Officials say the site will serve as a pilot for future energy-agriculture collaborations, particularly in areas where access to utilities and economic activity remains limited.
Jeffrey urged all stakeholders — from JPVS to local communities — to give their full cooperation.
“With shared commitment, this vision can help us build a stronger, more self-reliant Sabah,” he said.
The timeline for the project’s implementation was not announced. – April 24, 2025
