KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Seri Hajiji Noor praised Kibing Group for its commitment to creating 700 additional employment opportunities for Sabahans through its upcoming recruitment drive, which is set to commence in May.
He noted that this new intake would complement the 1,625 Sabahans already employed in various management, engineering, technical, and operational roles within the Kibing Group.
“This represents over 83 per cent of the Kibing Group’s total workforce. It is indeed a positive development, as it not only empowers our local communities but also cultivates a sense of shared prosperity. Well done and thank you,” he said during the Aidilfitri reception with Kibing personnel at its factory in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) today.
Prior to this, the Chief Minister was informed that Kibing Group would be launching its recruitment drive in collaboration with the SMJ Secretariat from May 13 to May 23 at the district offices in Ranau, Tuaran, Beaufort, Papar, Kota Kinabalu, and Penampang.
“I must emphasise the importance of prioritising the employment of Sabahans and urge all industry stakeholders to not only employ local Sabahans but also invest in their training and development. This collective effort is vital to ensure our local workforce possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to meet industry demands,” he added.
Hajiji described the commencement of Kibing Group’s construction of its RM2.5 billion state-of-the-art solar glass manufacturing factory in Sabah in 2022 as a significant milestone.
“The presence of the Kibing Group is not only a transformative venture for Sabah but also a testament to the State Government’s success in pursuing high-impact projects that contribute to the progress and economic growth of the state,” he remarked.
Hajiji also noted that Kibing Group has made remarkable progress, with a further investment announced in November last year to establish a new RM7.2 billion solar glass manufacturing plant in Kimanis.
“The positive ripple effect of the Kibing Group’s presence in Sabah is already becoming evident, with over RM50 million in contract value awarded to local companies since construction began. We are optimistic that the Kibing Group will continue to thrive and play a pivotal role in contributing to Sabah’s long-term prosperity,” he stated.
During the briefing, Hajiji was informed that Kibing’s first production line is currently running at full capacity, exporting 1,500 containers valued at USD14 million each month. The second line is projected to reach full production by June this year, while the third line is anticipated to achieve this milestone by the end of the year. Kibing’s export destinations include Southeast Asia, South Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe.
“I wish to reiterate the State Government’s commitment to facilitating investments in Sabah. We are resolute in our mission to create an environment that attracts more investors. These investments are about creating jobs, fostering innovation, and improving the lives of our people,” he concluded.
Also present were Federal Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd, Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, and State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong.-pr/BNN
