Lang
Sabah is set to climb further up the palm oil value chain with a new phytonutrient extraction facility in Kunak that is expected to begin commercial production of vitamin E from palm-based feedstocks before the end of the year.
The plant, operated by Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd, is nearing completion on Sabah's east coast between Lahad Datu and Semporna. It will process palm-derived materials into higher-value phytonutrient products, marking a significant diversification for its parent company, Sawit Kinabalu Group, the investment arm of the Sabah state government.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, speaking during a working visit to the facility on Tuesday (Sept 8), described the project as a positive expansion beyond Sawit Kinabalu's core palm oil activities. 'This is a very positive development as an additional activity and business venture for the Sawit Kinabalu Group. I think this is the first in Malaysia. So, this is a good development. Hopefully, it will help increase the revenue of Sawit Kinabalu as well as its partner company,' he told reporters.
Hajiji noted that the products would be derived from palm-based raw materials and expressed hope that the venture would generate additional revenue for both Sawit Kinabalu and its partner firm.
Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd operates as a subsidiary of Sawit Kinabalu Group, running the phytonutrient extraction facility in Kunak. Hajiji was received during the visit by Sawit Kinabalu chairman Datuk Hazem Mubarak Tun Dr Musa and group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Victor Ationg.
Source: The Star