Latest news with #BorneoCementSabah
Daily Express
28-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Masiung defends RM1.2 billion Tongod cement plant venture
Published on: Monday, April 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Apr 28, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Speaking at his Hari Raya Open House on Sunday, Masiung was also questioned about supposed illegal logging, investor pullout and environmental risks associated with the plant. Kota Kinabalu: Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has dismissed opposition allegations surrounding the RM1.2 billion Tongod Cement Plant project, including that it is merely a cover to clear the forest for its valuable timber. Speaking at his Hari Raya Open House on Sunday, Masiung was also questioned about supposed illegal logging, investor pullout and environmental risks associated with the plant. On accusations that the project involves illegal timber harvesting, the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Vice President said the limestone extraction site is not a forested area. 'There is no logging taking place. The quarry spans 200 acres, not thousands as claimed. The project has undergone thorough environmental assessments, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), to ensure compliance with regulations. 'There are no investors pulling out. The project is proceeding as planned site clearing has already begun following the approval of the EIA,' he said. The plant in Kampung Kayawoi is expected to address the shortage faced by developers in Sabah once it is operational, said the Borneo Cement Sabah Chairman. He said there have been situations where developers and contractors had to queue and place orders up to two weeks in advance to secure supplies. He said the Sabah Energy Commission has agreed to supply the plant 40 percent of the electricity needed from Nabawan, while the investor has agreed to build a 26-kilometre access road to the site. He said Tongod deserves its own industrial boom after Sandakan and Keningau. He said the plant could source water from a nearby stream and a 26-km road is being constructed to support transportation needs. 'The plant is expected to produce 5,000 tons of cement per day, addressing Sabah's ongoing cement supply shortage an initiative the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'Local sourcing of raw materials would allow the plant to reduce cement prices by up to RM2 per pack. 'The project is subject to strict monitoring by federal agencies, including the use of green technology. 'We are committed to following all environmental protocols to minimise any potential harm,' he said. The opposition had criticised the project, saying nobody would build a billion-ringgit plus project deep in the forest which would require spending several hundred million ringgit more on road and other infrastructure and yet sell at the current market cement price of RM23 per bag. Masiung said the project, which is being developed in one of the poorest areas in Sabah, is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs. He said the plant would contribute to long-term economic growth by improving local infrastructure and reducing dependency on imports. 'The plant will not only provide jobs but also improve roads, electricity, and water supply in the region. Addressing concerns about the lack of infrastructure in rural areas, he pointed out that previous resource extraction in the region or even agricultural efforts to elevate the people from poverty had not led to sustainable development. 'This project aims to address that gap. This is an opportunity to create meaningful development and we are committed to ensuring the benefits are shared with the local communities,' he said. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
27-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Cement plant in Tongod to address shortage, boost local economy: Masiung
Published on: Sunday, April 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Apr 27, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The construction of a cement plant in Kampung Kayawoi, near Tongod, is expected to address the shortage faced by developers in Sabah once it is operational, said Borneo Cement Sabah chairman Datuk Masiung Banah ( pic ). Masiung said there have been situations where developers and contractors had to queue and place orders up to two weeks in advance to secure cement supplies. The Kuamut assemblyman said the plant is expected to produce at least 5,000 tonnes of cement per day, significantly reducing the state's reliance on imports. "I expect the price of cement could be reduced by about RM1 to RM2 per bag," he told reporters after the Sabah media Aidilfitri gathering here today. Masiung said the completion of the cement plant is crucial to drive infrastructure development and boost the local economy, with the creation of an estimated 1,000 jobs for the surrounding community. He noted that so far, the project has received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, and site clearing is in progress. He said the Sabah Energy Commission has agreed to supply the plant 40 percent of the electricity needed from Nabawan, while the investor has agreed to build a 26-kilometre access road to the site. Meanwhile, Masiung refuted opposition claims that the plant's construction was being used as an excuse to harvest timber, stressing that the site is located within a limestone area, not a forested zone. He further denied allegations that the project's investors had pulled out. The cement plant project involves an investment of RM1.2 billion and spans 202.3 hectares. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
27-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Cement Plant In Tongod To Address Shortage, Boost Local Economy
KOTA KINABALU, April 27 (Bernama) -- The construction of a cement plant in Kampung Kayawoi, near Tongod, is expected to address the shortage faced by developers in Sabah once it is operational, said Borneo Cement Sabah chairman Datuk Masiung Banah. Masiung said there have been situations where developers and contractors had to queue and place orders up to two weeks in advance to secure cement supplies. The Kuamut assemblyman said the plant is expected to produce at least 5,000 tonnes of cement per day, significantly reducing the state's reliance on imports. "I expect the price of cement could be reduced by about RM1 to RM2 per bag," he told reporters after the Sabah media Aidilfitri gathering here today. Masiung said the completion of the cement plant is crucial to drive infrastructure development and boost the local economy, with the creation of an estimated 1,000 jobs for the surrounding community. He noted that so far, the project has received Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval, and site clearing is in progress. He said the Sabah Energy Commission has agreed to supply the plant 40 percent of the electricity needed from Nabawan, while the investor has agreed to build a 26-kilometre access road to the site. Meanwhile, Masiung refuted opposition claims that the plant's construction was being used as an excuse to harvest timber, stressing that the site is located within a limestone area, not a forested zone. He further denied allegations that the project's investors had pulled out.
The Star
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cement plant better in the jungle, says Borneo Cement Sabah chairman
KOTA KINABALU: Borneo Cement Sabah (BCS) chairman Datuk Masiung Banah has defended the decision to build a RM1.2bil cement and clinker plant in the remote forests of Tongod. He said it was a practical and environmentally conscious move that will bring economic growth to one of Malaysia's poorest districts. 'What is the problem with building a cement plant in the forest? We cannot possibly build it in the city. 'Isn't it better to have an industrial zone in the forest rather than near urban areas where it would cause major issues with solid waste and air pollution?' he asked. The Kuamut assemblyman explained in a statement on Monday (April 21) that the project site contains key raw materials such as limestone, clay, sand, and stone, making it a strategic location for cement production. The project is spearheaded by Borneo Cement (Sabah) Sdn Bhd - a joint venture between Sedco, which is a Sabah government linked company and Sri Alam Setia Sdn Bhd - will be constructed by Sinoma Industrial Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd. Banah was responding to recent remarks by Lamag assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who questioned the plant's feasibility during the Sabah state assembly sitting on April 15. Bung Moktar had claimed the site lacked electricity, water and road access, and alleged the project's main investor had withdrawn, leaving logging activity in its place. Describing Bung Moktar's comments as misleading, Banah said the remarks had sparked anger among Tongod residents. 'Perhaps Bung Moktar has his own agenda. His statements create the impression that the clinker project has failed, when in fact it's still in its early implementation phase. 'He should be supporting this initiative as it promises over 1,000 job opportunities and new business prospects for the local community,' he said. Banah also refuted allegations of logging at the site, noting that the area is largely covered by limestone and is not suited for timber extraction. He added that the main investor, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd of China, along with BCS, is actively carrying out preliminary works, including road construction from the factory site at Kampung Kayawoi to the main road in Kampung Matiku, Nabawan. Electricity and water infrastructure are currently being installed alongside the construction of a new optical telecommunications tower to improve connectivity. The Tongod cement plant project was launched by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in April last year. During the GRS roadshow in Kampung Sogo-Sogo on Sunday (April 20), Banah also welcomed 112 new members into Gagasan Rakyat Kuamut, led by former teacher-trainer Micheal Tamoi.
