SANDAKAN: Sandakan is set to become a key player in Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) industry with the establishment of its first EV assembly plant.
The milestone project, led by Maxland Auto Sdn Bhd at POIC Sandakan, marks a major step in Sabah’s industrial diversification and sustainable economic growth.
Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe visited the site and expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential.
“Maxland Auto is laying the foundation for a more sustainable and innovative future, driving advancements in clean energy transportation while fostering economic growth and job creation in Sabah,” he said.
Having secured its Federal Manufacturing License (FML) from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) last year, Maxland Auto is now moving forward with an ambitious RM100 million investment plan, set to be realised by 2028. The project is expected to create up to 500 jobs by its third phase, which will include a full-scale manufacturing plant.
Phoong assured that his ministry, along with relevant agencies, is committed to facilitating and supporting the initiative to ensure its success.
“This aligns with the State Government’s vision of industrial diversification and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Phoong was accompanied by his ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin, Sandakan Municipal Council (SMC) President Walter Joseph Kinson, Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR) Director Rodolfo Blantocas, MIDA Sabah Director Joseph Benjamin and George Wong, Deputy Chairman of Invest Sabah Berhad.
