Federal, Sabah to develop downstream palm oil industry
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe, recently met with Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia’s newly appointed Minister of Plantation and Commodities, at Wisma Getah, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur.
He was accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah. During the meeting, discussions were held on the strategic direction of downstream palm oil and biomass industries.
Both parties expressed a shared commitment to realizing the aspirations of the Sabah Government in developing these downstream industries.
In addition to the downstream palm oil industry, special focus was directed toward 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), present a wealth of opportunities across various sectors,” said Phoong.
“From renewable energy production and value-added product manufacturing to environmental sustainability and economic growth, the utilization of biomass promises multifaceted benefits for Sabah’s industrial landscape,” he emphasized.
Phoong also highlighted 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 utilization of biomass promotes environmental sustainability by reducing waste generation and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, thereby fostering a circular economy and minimizing environmental impact,” Phoong emphasized. He extends his gratitude to Johari for his support and vision. With his endorsement, Sabah is poised to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities to drive policy initiatives that will propel Sabah and Malaysia toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretary of MIDE, Datuk Thomas Logijin; CEO of POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, Datuk Fredian Gan; Political Secretary to the Minister Chan Loong Wei; and Special Task Officer to the Minister Henry Shim.