KUCHING: Sarawak has roped in another major investment with LONGi Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s RM1.3 billion new manufacturing facility at the Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the expansion is in addition to LONGi’s existing plants in Sama Jaya High Tech Park, here.
“The facilities at Sama Jaya Free Industrial Park were launched in 2018, and LONGi started its operation by acquiring SunEdison (MEMC) facilities in Sama Jaya.
“Within one and a half years, LONGi acquired two additional properties in Sama Jaya (Sanmina and Comtec plants) and aggressively proceeded with expansion plans in the following years to cater to growing photovoltaic (PV) demands of the global market.
“Thus, with this new facility in Samalaju, you should be able to achieve better efficiencies by being closer to upstream producers of polycrystalline silicone, creating tighter integration and reducing your carbon footprint,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony for the company’s new plant at Samalaju Industrial Park, Bintulu on Friday (Oct 20).
The Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment welcomed LONGi’s investments and expansions as they create positive multiplier effects to the local economy by providing employment and business opportunities, technology transfers as well as social responsibility programmes.
“I hope you can convince more companies in your supply chain to invest in Sarawak by forming a cluster around your facilities to provide you with the support you require for your production,” he said.
The Sarawak government, he said, has always been very supportive of investments both foreign and local.
“We welcome all investments and collaborations in six priority sectors, namely Manufacturing, Commercial Agriculture, Tourism, Forestry, Mining and Services that can create benefits for all.
“Under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, Sarawak is now focusing on developing a low carbon, green and circular economy, and Sarawak also aims to be a regional leader in innovation and high technology-based economy,” he said.
Later, when speaking to reporters, Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, said LONGi’s new facility would create more than 1,000 job opportunities while also benefiting the local entrepreneurs.
“This means that Samalaju would receive more investments apart from the petrochemical hub developed by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and many more,” he said.
He also said with all these investments and development coming up, it would further boost the economy in the area.
“Lastly, it will also provide opportunities for contractors, entrepreneurs, and local businesses especially in the Samalaju area,” he said.
