Sabah confident of completing 1,265 projects this year

Daily Express

02-05-2025

Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025
Published on: Thu, May 01, 2025
By: Larry Ralon Text Size: Masidi (second right) launching Gamalux's new corporate logo while Usman (middle), Yong (right), Fredian (left) and Thomas (second left) look on. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is confident of achieving the target of completing 1,265 projects and programmes this year due to improvements in administrative efficiency, said State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. 'While we allocate funds, the actual implementation is carried out by district offices, ministries and departments,' he said, after launching Gamalux Oils Sdn Bhd's new corporate logo at Le Meridien, Tuesday. His Ministry now evaluates each implementing agency's past performance before approving new allocations, to ensure more effective spending. 'For example, if an agency only managed to use 90 per cent of previous year's allocation, it will only be granted 90pc this year. If you can't use the funds effectively, you shouldn't ask for more,' he said, adding this approach has motivated government agencies to strive for timely project delivery. 'This might be an election year, but for me, project implementation isn't just about politics. It also demonstrates the capability and efficiency of our public administration,' he said. Masidi clarified that the projects span multiple ministries and government agencies, covering both large-scale and small initiatives, particularly essential infrastructure in rural areas. 'Our focus is on projects that have significant impact on people's lives, especially the underprivileged. This includes roads, water supply and other basic infrastructure,' he said. He said the State Development Action Council MTNg), which was chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor earlier, reviewed project implementation performance with support from Federal-level development officers. 'Overall, the management and implementation of projects this year appear to be better than last year, although some projects still require closer monitoring.' Meanwhile, Masidi said Gamalux' investment of RM230 million in Sabah as well as the company's plans to expand its investment further reflects its confidence in Sabah's business environment and development potential. 'I congratulate the Gamalux management for leading efforts to preserve the environment. One of their core principles is to ensure their production processes align with environmental sustainability goals,' he said. Gamalux practises a green business approach, including recycling discarded materials for reuse. 'They prioritise profit, but not at the expense of the environment. This is a value we greatly welcome in Sabah,' he said. He said the company's decision to invest in Sabah also reflects the State's suitability as a destination for green-focused investments, supported by community acceptance and an increasingly efficient administrative system. Earlier, Gamalux Group CEO and Managing Director Usman Ahmed announced a fresh RM480 million investment to expand its manufacturing complex in Lahad Datu, strengthening its commitment to environmental innovation and local economic growth. He described Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles as the 'oxygen' of Gamalux's operations. 'ESG is more than a buzzword. It is embedded in our DNA. We have delivered real, sustainable impact through our business practices,' he said. Since starting operations in Sabah in 2009, Gamalux has specialised in converting palm oil waste such as Spent Bleaching Earth (SBE) and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) into high-value biofuel components for the Biodiesel, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industries. 'Our innovations have helped raise global standards in circular production and have been recognised through international certifications, including the ISCC and the Italian National Scheme,' he said. From its base at POIC Lahad Datu, which he referred to as 'the industrial capital of Sabah', Gamalux has invested RM230 million into its current facilities. The additional RM480 million in new investments will fund several cutting-edge projects and phases of development. Among them is the region's most advanced effluent treatment system, which has been operational since March 2025, underscoring the company's strong environmental commitment. A sustainable biomass steam generation boiler powered by palm waste is currently under construction and is expected to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. In addition, Sabah's first R&D Centre focused on palm oil waste valorisation is slated to open by the end of the year. This centre will support business partners with advanced research and development solutions. The company is also expanding its storage capacity to meet rising demand from the renewable energy sector. Furthermore, Gamalux is developing Sabah's first next-generation oleochemical plant, which will create bio-based solutions derived from industry-grade palm oil. Beyond technology and infrastructure, the expansion also brings social value. Usman said 150 new high-skilled jobs will be created for Sabahans, in addition to the 270–300 local employees already working with the company. 'We are proud to help shape a greener, more prosperous future for Sabah's industrial landscape,' he said. Also present were POIC Sabah Chairman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee; POIC Sabah CEO Datuk Fredian Gan; and Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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