Shahelmey taken on a tour of the Phytonutrient Extraction Plant.
KUNAK: The opening of Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd’s Phytonutrient Extraction Plant marks a significant step in positioning Sabah to meet growing international demand in the oleochemicals sector, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the facility would not only enhance Sabah’s competitiveness globally but also create jobs and spur local economic growth, particularly in Kunak and surrounding areas.
“This plant demonstrates Sawit Kinabalu Group’s strong commitment to expanding and diversifying beyond raw commodity production. It is in line with the State Government’s aspiration to strengthen the palm oil value chain and ensure Sabah continues to lead in high-value downstream industries,” he said at the launch today. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya.
Hajiji, who is also Chairman of Sawit Kinabalu Group, commended the company’s initiative in producing local tocotrienols under the brand Sawit Kinabalu Tocotrienols (SKT3), which will soon be marketed.
Shahelmey being shown a variety of Sawit’s products.
“This is proof that Sabah is innovating in harnessing palm oil resources for high-tech products,” he said.
He noted that Malaysia has long imported millions of kilograms of Vitamin E annually.
“With tocotrienols now produced locally, we can reduce import dependency while opening new opportunities in the nutraceutical market and improving the health of Malaysians,” added Hajiji.
The Chief Minister said the development will also create economic opportunities for palm oil–producing countries to increase value-added production.
“It underlines the importance of sustainable management and cultivation in the palm oil sector to ensure a steady supply for rising global demand,” he said.
Hajiji reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting investments that drive downstream development in sustainable and innovative ways.
“I believe this plant will be a key catalyst for state revenue, create skilled job opportunities, and further strengthen Sabah’s position as a downstream palm oil hub in the region,” he said.
