Sabah’s east coast is set to benefit from three new investments in the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) at Lahad Datu, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said. 

“The spillover effects of these three investments in POIC Lahad Datu are substantial. 

From a broader perspective, they align with our vision to develop the east coast of Sabah as a new economic growth area through industrialisation,” he remarked on Friday.

Hajiji said this at the launch of the Neptune Oil Storage and Refinery Terminal and exchange of documents ceremony between Palm Oil Cluster Industrial Complex Sabah Sdn Bhd and TS Asia, Jetama Sdn Bhd and Legenda Biomass Sdn Bhd in Kota Kinabalu today. 

His speech was delivered by state finance minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. 

Jetama Sdn Bhd will introduce Sabah’s first modular desalination system, capable of processing seawater and brackish water with an initial capacity of 500,000 litres daily, expandable to 4 million litres.

“This innovative modular facility addresses Sabah’s water supply challenges and provides an additional source of industrial water, enabling the diversion of potable water for domestic and commercial use,” Hajiji explained.

Legenda Biomass will convert biomass waste into high-value products, including biochemicals, carbon-based products, green energy, and biofertilizers.

“I am pleased to see progress since the enforcement of the State’s Palm Oil Biomass Policy last year,” said Hajiji.

TS Asia Green Infrastructure will develop a fuel storage complex with future plans for refining activities, leasing 110.12 acres initially, with preparations for an additional 300 acres. 

The project is expected to create up to 3,500 jobs, particularly for skilled workers among Sabah’s youth.

“We are confident that TS Asia’s operations will boost transportation activities in the area and fully utilise the port infrastructure at POIC Lahad Datu,” Hajiji said. – February 28, 2025