KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will collaborate closely with the federal Plantation and Commodities Ministry to develop the downstream oil palm industry.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said he had recently met Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani to discuss on the strategic direction of downstream oil palm and biomass industries.
Both parties, he said, expressed a shared commitment to realising the aspirations of the Sabah government in developing these downstream industries, he said in a statement.
Phoong said, in addition to the downstream oil palm 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), 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," he said.
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," he said.
Phoong, who is also the Luyang assemblyman, extended his gratitude to Johari for his support and vision.
"With his 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 also attended MIDE permanent secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin; Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Sabah Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Fredian Gan; Phoong's political secretary Chan Loong Wei; and, special tasks officer to the minister Henry Shim.
