KUCHING: LONGi Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s second major investment project in Sarawak will be the first solar manufacturing factory in the Bintulu Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP).
LONGi Malaysia in a statement said the Bintulu monocrystalline ingot manufacturing project covers an area of 125 acres, with a forecast investment of RM1.3 billion, equivalent to approximately RMB2 billion.
“SIP was chosen due to its proximity to its raw materials supplier and deep-sea port, as well as for its affordable and sizeable industrial lands.
“It will have a capacity of 6 gigawatt (GW) or equivalent to producing 13,000 metric tonnes per annum. Production is expected to begin at the plant in the first quarter of 2024,” it said.
It added the new project will hire 1,213 new employees, of which at least 90 per cent will be filled by locals and 20 per cent will cater for positions in science, technology and engineering.
“LONGi is committed to sharing science and technology achievements, providing advanced technical training and management experience and other support, and cultivating high-quality talents with an international perspective locally through joint research, talent training, and improving science and technology innovation capabilities,” it said.
Earlier, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for the project at its site on yesterday (Oct 20).
The event was also attended by other government officials including from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd vice president Li Wenxue, the Group’s Board of Directors and key stakeholders.
MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Wira Arham Abdul Rahman congratulated LONGi for reaching another remarkable milestone in their ongoing development in Malaysia, following a recent announcement in Serendah, Selangor.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to LONGi for their commitment to advancing Malaysia’s electrical and electronics (E&E) industry.
“The substantial investment for the new Samalaju plant further underscores Malaysia’s position as a prime hub for comprehensive solar ecosystem manufacturing.
“This investment and unwavering commitment to sustainable practices align seamlessly with the objectives set forth in our nation’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030,” he said.
He also said it is a testament to the company’s confidence in the capabilities of our local talent, including highly skilled engineers and technicians.
“We are hopeful that LONGi’s pioneering efforts will serve as a shining example for the entire industry, inspiring others to follow suit and contribute to our collective growth and success,” he said.
Meanwhile, Li Wenxue, said as global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, solar power generation has gradually become a mainstream clean energy source.
“Many countries have established relatively complete solar power generation systems. With the advancement of solar technology, the cost of solar power generation is gradually decreasing and becoming more and more economical.
“The solar industry has huge development potential and will make an important contribution to the global energy transformation,” he said.
He added that in 2016, LONGi Group inaugurated its very first overseas base in Kuching, which is also the world’s first vertically integrated monocrystalline silicon solar manufacturing base.
At present LONGi has hired 4,461 employees in Kuching.
