KUNAK: The opening of Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd’s Phytonutrient Extraction Plant is expected to strategically boost Sabah’s role in meeting the needs of the international oleochemical market, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the facility will not only generate jobs and stimulate local economic development but also demonstrates Sawit Kinabalu Group’s commitment to diversifying operations beyond raw commodity production.
“This step aligns with the state government’s aspiration to strengthen the palm oil industry’s value chain and ensure Sabah continues to lead in high-value downstream sectors,” he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya at the launch today.
Hajiji, who is also Chairman of Sawit Kinabalu Group, praised the company’s initiative in producing locally made tocotrienols under the brand Sawit Kinabalu Tocotrienols (SKT3), which will soon enter the market.
“This proves Sabah is innovating by turning palm oil resources into high-tech products. With tocotrienols now produced locally, we reduce dependency on imports, create new opportunities in the nutraceutical market, and contribute to the health of Malaysians,” he said.
He noted that Malaysia has long imported millions of kilograms of Vitamin E annually, and local production would open significant economic opportunities for palm oil–producing countries to expand value-added products.
Hajiji also stressed the importance of sustainable plantation and management practices to ensure continuous supply in meeting growing global demand.
“The state government will continue to support investments that sustainably and innovatively develop the downstream palm oil industry. This plant will be a catalyst for state revenue, skilled employment, and Sabah’s growth as a regional downstream hub,” he said.-pr/BNN
