Cement factory’s RM350 million infra projects to benefit Tongod folks
Published on: Friday, December 15, 2023
Masiung beating the gong to mark the official celebration of Christmas in Lamag witnessed by Ismail Hj. Ayub (standing second from right).
TONGOD: Some 5,000 residents in five villages here will enjoy good road facilities, water supply, electricity and internet access once the main smelting company of the integrated clinker project begins operations before the middle of next year.
The four infrastructure projects costing RM350 million is as an initial step in the development of the cement factory, said Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah.
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He said this after chairing the district action meeting here on WednesDay after officiating the Christmas Celebration at Dewan Sri Lamag, Kinabatangan.
According to him, among the villages involved in the project are Kampung Susui, Kawayoi, Langga, Tudungin and Inarad, thus ending the wait of the people since the country achieved its independence.
He said Borneo Cement (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (BCS) has signed a joint venture agreement with Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco).
Sedco had earlier signed a memorandum of understanding using the expertise of a mega company from China, China Engineering Industry.
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The State Legislative Assembly session on Nov 26 announced that Sabah received an investment worth RM2 billion to build the integrated clinker factory in Tongod.
Masiung, who was appointed as BCS Chairman, said the company’s main focus is now more on providing infrastructure facilities first before setting up the factory.
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“The existence of the infrastructure will gradually provide an economic spillover to the population.
“This step is in line with the mission of ‘Sabah Maju Jaya’ to reduce the poverty rate in Tongod,” he said.
He said that the proposed plans for the projects are already available and will be submitted to the Public Works Department (JKR) for approval.
The four projects will be built simultaneously, including constructing a 26km paved road in addition to building a treated water supply plant.
Masiung said the company would also build a 40mw power line connected from the power plant in Nabawan for a distance of 39km.
At the same time, telecommunications towers and internet networks using fibre optic cables will be built at factory locations covering adjacent villages as far as 60 kilometers away.
“The four basic facilities are built in a ‘Design and Build’ concept after obtaining permission from the Department of Environmental Development,” he added.
Commenting further, Masiung said that when the factory is fully operational, it would create more than 1,000 jobs and business opportunities for locals.
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