Kuala Lumpur and Sabah to jointly develop downstream palm oil industry
Published on: Thursday, February 01, 2024
Phoong (third right) presenting a souvenir to Johari.
Kota Kinabalu: The Federal and State Governments will join forces to develop the downstream palm oil industry in Sabah.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe recently led a delegation to pay a courtesy on Federal Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at Wisma Getah in KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.
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During the meeting, they held a discussion on the strategic direction of downstream palm oil and biomass industries where both parties expressed a shared commitment to realising the aspirations of the Sabah Government in developing these downstream industries.
In addition to the downstream palm oil industry, a special focus was given to the untapped potential of the biomass industry, which emerges as a pivotal component of Sabah’s sustainable development agenda.
“Biomass, including palm oil biomass residues such as empty fruit bunches (EFBs), palm kernel shells (PKS) and palm oil mill effluent (POME), presents a wealth of opportunities across various sectors.
“From renewable energy production and value-added product manufacturing to environmental sustainability and economic growth, the utilisation of biomass promises multifaceted benefits for Sabah’s industrial landscape,” said Phoong.
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He also said that with technologies like biomass gasification, biofuels and biogas generation, these residues can be converted into electricity, heat and biofuels, contributing to the nation’s renewable energy goals while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
“Furthermore, the utilisation of biomass promotes environmental sustainability by reducing waste generation and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, thereby fostering a circular economy and minimizing environmental impact,” added the Luyang Assemblyman.
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Phoong also thanked Johari for his support and vision.
He said with Johari’s endorsement, Sabah is poised to collaborate closely with the Plantation and Commodities Ministry to drive policy initiatives that will propel Sabah and Malaysia toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The meeting was attended by Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin; POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Fredian Gan; Ministry’s Political Secretary Chan Loong Wei; and Special Task Officer to the Minister Henry Shim.
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