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Malay Mail
29-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Solar manufacturer Maxeon to exit Melaka, puts 126-acre industrial site up for bids
KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — A major China-linked solar manufacturer has put up for sale a 126-acre industrial site in Melaka — home to one of the state's largest solar panel plants — as it exits Malaysia to focus solely on the US market. The site, which includes a manufacturing plant, is the largest tract in the industrial and commercial hub and lies approximately 17km from the Melaka International Airport, The Edge reported, Maxeon, a Singapore-based company formerly known as SunPower Malaysia Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, designs and manufactures solar products and solutions globally. The land is listed on Invest Melaka's website under Maxeon Solar Technologies (Sunpower) Sdn Bhd, and is advertised for sale by exclusive marketing agent Savills Malaysia. Savills group managing director Datuk Paul Khong confirmed the listing but declined to reveal the landowner, citing the site's existing utilities and 800,000 sq ft built-up factory as a strong 'plug and play' opportunity. Khong added that the property could attract interest from data centre operators and foreign manufacturers looking to relocate due to ongoing US tariff tensions with China and Vietnam. He highlighted Malaysia's relatively low 24 per cent US tariff rate — compared to Vietnam's 48 per cent — as an added advantage for potential investors eyeing industrial expansion. A local agent told The Edge that industrial land in the area previously transacted between RM20 and RM26 per square foot, with some deals going as high as RM40 psf in recent years. The area already hosts major industrial players such as Honda Assembly, United Detergent Industries, Yihin Glass and Aluminium, Chestronics and Erreppi Manufacturing. Maxeon has not confirmed the sale but maintains operations in over 100 countries, with its Melaka plant having produced advanced solar cells since July 2011. The move comes after Maxeon announced in early April that it would focus solely on the US market following a strategic business restructuring. Last year, Maxeon sold its global sales and marketing operations to its parent firm, China's TCL Group, and plans to transfer its Philippine manufacturing site to a new entity called TCL SunPower International. Last week, the US announced increased tariffs on solar import from four countries including Malaysia, which now faces a blanket import duty of at least 34.4 per cent.
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Pak Lah's love for crafts and Melaka remembered by state governor
AYER KEROH: Melaka Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam described the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as a people-centric leader who was always calm yet firm in his approach during his time leading the nation. Recalling his time with the former prime minister, Mohd Ali said Abdullah, affectionately known as Pak Lah, always prioritised the nation's interests and the well-being of the people. He said that during his tenure as chief minister when Abdullah was prime minister, many issues affecting the people of Melaka were resolved, including flood problems, with drainage upgrade projects being implemented promptly. He said this involved areas under the administration of the Melaka City Council (MBMB) Phase Two, covering borders from Kampung Duyung to Bukit Katil, Kampung Durian Daun to Sungai Melaka, and Kampung Chetty to Tengkera, with an allocation of RM80.96 million. "Abdullah also approved RM90.4 million for the beautification and cleaning of the Melaka River under Phases One and Four, covering the stretch from the Hang Tuah Bridge to the Hang Jebat Bridge, as well as RM188.2 million for the upgrading and extension of the runway at the Melaka International Airport in Batu Berendam," he said in his speech when officiating the 15th Melaka State Legislative Assembly at Seri Negeri today. Also present was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. Mohd Ali said that in honour of Abdullah's iconic slogan 'Excellence, Glory, and Distinction' the state government built and named a building 'Kota Cemerlang' at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) intersection. "I also recall fond memories with the late Abdullah, who would often take the route from Alor Gajah town to Simpang Ampat after his duties in Melaka just to observe the roadside stalls selling handicrafts. "This was because Pak Lah had a great interest in handicrafts and batik. "During the final moments of his life, he managed to visit Melaka for a holiday with his wife, Tun Jeanne Abdullah, visited the Istana Melaka with his family, and enjoyed cendol in Kampung Hulu by the Melaka River on Dec 10 last year."
