Kibing Group to create 700 new jobs for Sabahans
Hajiji taking a remembrance photo with Sabahan workers at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration with Kibing employees at their factory in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park on Friday.
KOTA KINABALU (April 25): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has commended the commitment of the Kibing Group in providing employment opportunities for an additional 700 Sabahans through its latest recruitment programme set to begin in May.
He said the new recruitment drive would add to the 1,625 Sabahans already employed in various management, engineering, technical and operational roles within the Kibing Group.
'This now constitutes more than 83 per cent of the total workforce at Kibing Group. This positive development not only empowers our local communities but also fosters shared prosperity. Well done and thank you,' he said during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration with Kibing employees at their factory in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) on Friday.
Earlier, the Hajiji was informed that Kibing Group will launch a new recruitment campaign in collaboration with the SMJ Secretariat from May 13 to 23 The campaign will be held at the district offices of Ranau, Tuaran, Beaufort, Papar, Kota Kinabalu and Penampang.
'I also want to stress the importance of prioritising the employment of Sabahans and urge all industry players not only to hire locals but also to invest in their training and development.
'This collective effort is crucial to ensuring our local workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge required to meet industry demands,' he said.
Hajiji said it was a significant milestone when the Kibing Group began construction of a RM2.5 billion high-tech solar glass manufacturing plant in Sabah in 2022.
'Today, the presence of Kibing Group is not only a transformative effort for Sabah but also a testament to the success of the State Government in continuing to implement high-impact projects for the state's development and economic growth,' he said.
Hajiji also noted that the Kibing Group made significant progress when, in November last year, it invested in another project, a new RM7.2 billion solar glass manufacturing facility in Kimanis.
'To date, the positive impact of Kibing's presence in Sabah is evident and encouraging, with over RM50 million worth of contracts awarded to local companies since the beginning of construction.
'We have high hopes that the Kibing Group will continue to grow and play a key role in contributing to Sabah's long-term prosperity,' he said.
During a briefing, Hajiji was also informed that Kibing's first production line is now fully operational, exporting 1,500 containers worth USD14 million per month.
The second production line is expected to reach full capacity in June this year, while the third line is scheduled to become fully operational later in the year.
Kibing Group's export destinations include Southeast Asia, South Asia, North America, Africa and Europe.
'I want to reaffirm the State Government's commitment to facilitating investment in Sabah. The Government remains steadfast in our mission to create an environment that attracts more investors.
'These investments are closely tied to job creation, fostering innovation, and improving the quality of life for our people,' he added.
Also present were Federal Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong.
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