Zhejiang Jingxing embarks on RM1.9bil expansion of paper mill in Selangor
KUALA LUMPUR: Zhejiang Jingxing Paper Joint Stock Co Ltd's subsidiary Jingxing Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd today launched RM1.9 billion Phase 2 expansion of its plant in Banting, Selangor.
The paper manufacturer said the project will add 600,000 tonnes of annual Kraft Liner production capacity, bringing its total Malaysian investment to RM3 billion.
It said the expansion includes highly advanced manufacturing lines supported by integrated thermal power, water treatment, and wastewater management facilities.
"The plant's integrated automation systems will create 500 new jobs and generate annual local operating expenditure exceeding RM45 million," it said in a statement.
Selangor state executive councillor Ng Sze Han said the significant investment underscores Malaysia, particularly Selangor, as a critical player within the global supply chain.
Ng said Jingxing's Phase 2 expansion directly supports Selangor's goals in job creation and local talent development, reinforcing its attractiveness as a premier investment destination.
"Amid escalating global trade tensions and shifting supply chain dynamics, Selangor has emerged as a key beneficiary, attracting substantial foreign investments and driving new economic opportunities," he said.
Jingxing Malaysia director and deputy chairman Wang Zhiming said the expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's global growth.
Wang said the new plant, when completed, will further enhance its product range and quality.
"We are emphasising on service efficiency, local employment and supply chain opportunities," he said.
According to Jingxing Malaysia, the expansion strengthens Malaysia's export capabilities with 70 per cent of production targeted for international markets.
It noted that the facility's advanced infrastructure and automated processes will optimise manufacturing operations and product quality.
"This investment adds to Malaysia's growing paper manufacturing sector, which attracted RM877.9 million in investments throughout 2024, with foreign investments contributing RM578.4 million," it added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
27 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Enterprises lead the charge in AI-driven transformation
COMMERCIAL and industrial adoption of AI in Malaysia is at a nascent stage, but is steadily gaining traction. Enterprises are increasingly leveraging AI to drive data-informed decisions and automation to enhance efficiency and transform service delivery models. 'This typically involves the deployment of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems, such as drones, robots, intelligent machinery, software and cloud-based solutions, powered by AI,' said Kenanga Research (Kenanga). AI-powered systems depend on continuous data exchange and real-time feedback loops between users and machines, supported by sensors, edge devices, and cloud infrastructure. These deployments require ultra-low latency and high network reliability across both mobile and fixed networks. Hence, this is where 5G plays a critical role. Its advanced capabilities (low latency, high-throughput, network slicing, massive device connectivity) addresses the limitations of legacy 4G technology and complements fixed networks in enabling delivery of AI systems. At this juncture, the enterprise segment is best positioned to unlock AI and 5G's full potential, far more than the consumer market. As such, monetisation opportunities for 5G services emanate from enterprises, where the value proposition is clear and immediate. Recognising this, Malaysian telcos are now positioning themselves as enablers of integrated AI solutions, moving beyond their traditional role as pure connectivity providers. This shift is made possible through strategic partnerships with technology vendors, including robotics companies (Garuda, HelloWorld, Infinium, Weston), as well as equipment providers (HEXA IoT, Medilink Global, iFleet). 'While these partners handle the deployment of AI devices and software, CDB will focus on delivering the underlying connectivity infrastructure, including 5G sites, private 5G networks, and fiber -based solutions,' said Kenanga. However, enterprise awareness and understanding of commercial and industrial AI use cases remain limited, limiting widespread adoption. This is precisely where CDB's RM55 mil AiX Center plays a pivotal role. As a live showcase facility, the AiX Centre demonstrates practical, real-world applications of AI and 5G across key verticals. This enables businesses to fully appreciate these technologies and accelerate their adoption. Notable AI use cases that are featured at AiX are applicable to the following key sectors: Drones and robots manage inventory AI-powered inventory management systems deploy autonomous drones and robots to perform fully automated stock-taking. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and computer vision technology, these machines scan and identify inventory with precision, eliminating human error. Under low-lighting conditions, the drones effortlessly navigate high shelves spanning multiple floors, while robots transport heavy loads. According to DHL Malaysia, their AI system reduced electricity consumption and improved operational efficiency by more than 20-fold, with up to 100% accuracy. Smart poles: Blending surveillance, connectivity, and urban advertising Smart poles are AI-powered infrastructure equipped with sensors, high-definition cameras, digital displays, and energy-efficient LED lighting. They serve multiple functions, including real-time surveillance, traffic monitoring, weather tracking, population count, and behavioral analysis, enabled by AI-driven software. These poles also double as public WiFi access points and digital advertising platforms, enhancing urban connectivity while generating advertising revenue. CDB is currently in advanced discussions with Majlis Bandaraya Kuching Selatan (MBKS) for the deployment of smart poles within its jurisdiction. To recap, five smart poles were launched by Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) in December 2024 as part of Kuching's broader smart city initiative. AI robot arms replace doctors in performing ultrasound scans Adaptive medical robots can autonomously conduct ultrasound scans to examine internal organs. Equipped with AI-driven precision scanning, force-controlled movement, and real-time contour tracking, these robotic arms dynamically adjust to a patient's body contours, ensuring optimal probe-to-skin contact pressure. This consistent force application enhances scan accuracy and reliability to produce high-quality medical images. AI-trained robodogs tackle hazardous tasks at O&G facilities The undisputed star of our AiX site visit was the endearing and clever robodog by Weston Robot, which captivated participants as it attentively responded to voice commands. Beyond its charm, these robodogs hold practical value for deployment at oil and gas platforms, refineries, and petrochemical plants, where they can help streamline maintenance operations. Built to withstand hazardous environments with restricted human access or safety risks, robodogs are a compelling solution to enhance operational safety, efficiency, and remote inspection capabilities. While AI adoption in Malaysia's commercial and industrial sectors is still in its early stages, the integration of 5G infrastructure and strategic industry partnerships is accelerating its growth. The AiX Center serves as a critical catalyst, bridging the knowledge gap by demonstrating practical, high-impact AI use cases across various sectors. From autonomous inventory drones to smart medical robotics and AI-powered infrastructure, these innovations highlight the transformative potential of AI when combined with reliable, high-speed connectivity. As enterprise awareness deepens and deployment scales, Malaysia is poised to unlock significant value from AI and 5G technologies—paving the way for smarter, safer, and more efficient industries. —June 11, 2025 Main image: Reinersct
Focus Malaysia
27 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Crude palm oil prices stabilise as supply concerns ease, stocks rise
THE local CPO price delivery ended the month at RM3,855/Mt with an average price of RM3,881/Mt on higher ending stocks as concerns over limited supply risks dissipated. 'Moving ahead, we anticipate that the crude palim oil (CPO) prices will remain stablised, hovering within the range of RM3,900–4,200/Mt,' said MIDF Research (MIDF) in the recent Monthly Sector Report. This is typically in line with seasonal production trends, as the pollination period ends in March and PO output is expected to recover, potentially leading to an increase in closing stock levels. CPO output in May-25 grew to 1.77 mil tonne or +3.9% year-on-year (yoy) versus prior year, supported by robust growth from the eastern estates, particularly in Sarawak (+6.4% yoy) and Sabah (+13.0% yoy). The fresh fruit bunch (FFB) received by mills inches to 9.05 mil tonne (+1.3% yoy) well supported by a decent average yield of 1.48 tonne /ha, inline with the onset of the seasonally fruitful months. Additionally, the average oil extraction rate (OER) in the mills improved to 19.89%, driven by betterset of crops across most estates. Favourable weather conditions have allowed quicker FFB evacuation activity, bringing the fruitlets with higher oil content. Looking ahead, with the end of the inter-monsoon and pollination periods, drier weather and a faster recovery in FFB evacuation activities expected from May onwards, this allows estate productivity to gain momentum, particularly in terms of harvesting and manuring activities. Note that, local CPO production is projected to reach 19.5 mil Mt in 2025 (+1.0% yoy), with the bulk of the recovery anticipated to materialise in the second half of 2025 (2H25), driven by improved set of crops and estate efficiencies. 'We opine sector's top-line to continue uptick in 1HCY25 in-line with higher average CPO price assumptions,' said MIDF. However, margins are likely to remain under pressure due to the persistent elevated cost of production, caused by higher locked in fertiliser costs of 2HCY24, coupled with elevated external FFB purchase expenses amid low mills utilisation rates. 'We are maintaining neutral call at this juncture, while CPO prices are expected to remain under pressure, production is likely to perform, leading to a ceteris paribus performance for CY25,' said MIDF. Therefore, MIDF foresees only a handful of players likely to benefit from elevated CPO prices. Hence, they recommend avoiding smaller players with significant exposure to external FFB purchases, as the aforementioned factors could risk their CPO production, particularly during the current biological tree rest environment. —June 11, 2025 Main image: Musim MAS
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
National Trades Union Congress exploring options to match retrenched Jetstar Asia staff to roles at SIA Group: Labour chief
Jetstar Asia said it will support the workers with retrenchment packages and employment support. - ST SINGAPORE: The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is exploring possible opportunities to match retrenched Jetstar Asia employees, including crew and corporate staff, to suitable roles with the Singapore Airlines Group, said labour chief Ng Chee Meng. Over 500 employees from Jetstar Asia will be retrenched following the closure of the Singapore-based low-cost airline on July 31. In a Facebook post on June 11, Ng said that the NTUC Aerospace and Aviation Cluster will work with Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport Group to identify opportunities for the affected employees as well. He said: 'The news of Jetstar Asia's closure is a hit for the many employees of the airline. They have contributed much to the airline over the years.' He added that the NTUC and Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers' Union (SMMWU) were informed of the retrenchments in advance, and SMMWU has been working closely with Jetstar Asia to support the workers. The retrenchment benefits provided are in line with the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment, but support goes beyond just financial compensation, Ng added. Starting next week, NTUC and NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute will be on-site at Changi Airport Terminal 1 to provide direct support, including career coaching, skills upgrading, and employability assistance, he said. In a statement on Wednesday (June 11), Jetstar Asia said it will support workers with retrenchment packages, employment support, or provide them with other opportunities within the Qantas group or with other airlines and aviation companies in Singapore. The airline's closure is part of a 'strategic restructure' by its parent company, Australian flag carrier Qantas. Retrenched employees will receive a redundancy payment of four weeks per year of service, a bonus for this financial year, a special 'thank you' payment as well as other benefits. In a separate statement, the Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers' Union (SMMWU) said it has worked closely with management and negotiated with the company to ensure that affected members and workers receive fair compensation. SMMWU is affiliated with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC). Jetstar Asia has been unionised since 2009. An inter-agency task force on retrenchment said in a separate statement that it is working closely with Jetstar and the SMMWU to support the affected workers. Called the Taskforce for Responsible Retrenchment and Employment Facilitation, it comprises the Ministry of Manpower, Workforce Singapore, the NTUC and the NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute. 'Our priority is to help the affected employees with employment facilitation," said the taskforce in a statement. - The Straits Times/ANN
