LAHAD DATU: The establishment of the Jetama seawater desalination plant in the industrial area of the Oil and Gas Industrial Park (POIC) here has the potential to serve as a model solution for industrial water supply in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said the plant, developed by Jetama Sdn Bhd in collaboration with POIC Sabah, currently provides an in-situ solution to water supply issues faced by factories operating in the area.
He said the provision of additional water supply through desalination technology is important to ensure the continuity of industrial operations, in line with the development and growth of POIC Lahad Datu.
“At present, 46 major enterprises are operating in POIC Lahad Datu, and the area still has strong development potential, in line with the vision of positioning POIC Lahad Datu as Sabah’s eastern gateway,” he said in a statement after officiating the plant.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said his Ministry would support innovative initiatives to strengthen the State’s industrial ecosystem and ensure sustainable basic supplies for the industrial sector.
Meanwhile, he said there is a need to expand industrial areas and review policies related to the development of industrial parks in Sabah.
“This is important to ensure that these industrial parks are able to function effectively as drivers of the State’s economic development,” he said.
