Latest news with #QhazanahSabahBhd
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah launches first halal hub for SMEs
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah took a major step forward in its bid to become a regional halal industry player with the launch of the state's first purpose-built halal-certified SME hub, the Q-SME Halal Industrial Park. Spearheaded by the state government's strategic investment arm, Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB), the RM62mil development is located in the HALMAS-certified Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP). The hub is designed to empower local entrepreneurs in halal-focused sectors by offering dedicated infrastructure, streamlined certification processes, and direct access to export opportunities. 'Unlike large-scale industrial parks that focus on mass manufacturing, this park is specially designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in producing halal products at a medium scale, without compromising on quality,' said QSB chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob at the joint development agreement (JDA) signing between QSB and Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd, held alongside the launch of the Q-SME Halal Park here on Monday (June 16). The industrial park, which comprises 17 ready-built warehouse units, caters to SMEs involved in halal food processing, packaging, cosmetics, and other certified products. As of end-May 2025, construction was 77% complete, with full operations expected by year-end. 'This project is important to us because there has been strong demand. We have shortlisted interested entrepreneurs even before we publicly advertised this opportunity … these are people who proactively approached us. 'At this point, it seems there is hardly any space left. Some units are already booked and confirmed, including for halal food processing and halal-based cosmetics. All these businesses will form part of a certified halal industrial ecosystem,' he told reporters. A key feature of the park is the centralised One-Stop Halal Centre, which will offer services including halal certification, marketing support, and export facilitation. It will operate with backing from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim), the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), and the Halal Development Corporation. 'With this model, we are not only empowering local industry players, but also paving the way for Sabah to become a regional halal product export hub. 'If this park succeeds as envisioned, it could become a model to be replicated in other districts across the state,' said Yusof. He added that the park's strategic location near Sabah Ports positions it well for international trade, giving halal SMEs a launchpad into growing markets in the region and beyond. The project is also expected to generate significant employment, with each of the 17 units estimated to support up to 30 jobs, potentially creating more than 500 positions across various sectors. 'QSB is financing the project through a development loan, with rental income from tenants set to repay the investment and fund future industrial initiatives. This is a sustainable model, one that empowers businesses, creates jobs, and reinvests in long-term growth. 'Through this facility, we anticipate the emergence of more than 10 local products with the potential to grow into recognised brands, not only within Sabah, but also across Malaysia and beyond,' he said. Yusof also noted the potential to expand halal-certified infrastructure across the state, given the strong response, adding: 'We see this as the beginning of something larger, an ecosystem that supports halal innovation and enterprise throughout Sabah. 'Through the Q-SME Halal Park, we are not just building warehouses. We are building futures. We want Sabah's entrepreneurs to thrive, and we are laying the groundwork for them to compete at a global level.' Apart from the halal hub launch, the event also saw the signing of a joint development agreement for The Hill @ Damai, a mixed-use urban revitalisation project that will include Sabah's second cardiac specialist centre, witnessed by state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. A key component of this development is the proposed Sabah National Heart Centre, which will be the second of its kind in Malaysia, after the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to deliver specialised cardiac services to Sabahans, significantly reducing reliance on medical treatment outside the state and strengthening Sabah's healthcare ecosystem. The project also includes enhanced infrastructure such as improved road networks and multi-level parking facilities aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving accessibility. 'This centre is not only vital to Sabah's healthcare landscape, but it also underscores our long-term commitment to delivering world-class medical infrastructure to the people,' he said. He stressed that these two projects are a testament to QSB and the Sabah government's commitment to strengthening the state's economic infrastructure, from urban transformation to SME empowerment.
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Sabah mulls having second National Heart Centre in KK
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is thinking of building a second National Heart Centre in the state capital to reduce reliance on treatment in the peninsula. The proposed centre will be a key component of The Hill @ Damai, a mixed-use development adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, which is a government entity. The project is part of a joint development agreement (JDA) signed today between Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB) and Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd (BIDSB). It was launched by Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, along with QSB chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob "This centre is not only vital to the Sabah healthcare landscape, but it also underscores our long-term commitment to delivering world-class medical infrastructure to the people," Dr Yusof said during the launch held at the Qhazanah Event Hall, Menara Kinabalu. He added that the high-tech facility is expected to provide more accessible specialist cardiac care for Sabahans, while reducing the state's reliance on treatment in Peninsular Malaysia. The new centre, when completed, is expected to deliver a significant boost to the local healthcare system, offering advanced treatment options and reducing waiting times for heart patients. Meanwhile, QSB also officially launched the Q-SME Halal Industrial Park, Sabah's first purpose-built halal-certified hub designed specifically for SMEs and startups. Located within the HALMAS-certified zone in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, it is already 77 per cent complete as of May 2025, with full completion targeted by end of this year.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah sets sights on becoming model for renewable energy in Asean
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah can transform into a model for renewable energy development within the Asean region with the support of financial institutions and robust regulatory framework inputs from industry experts. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said it is with utmost confidence that the government welcomes investors, entrepreneurs and partners from around the globe in establishing a symbiotic relationship that will ultimately play a vital role in shaping the state's future. 'Sabah is open for business, and throughout my tenure as the head of the administration, we have established not just a framework but also an action plan that has made significant strides in creating a business-friendly environment as a result of streamlining our policies. 'The fact that we have much more development translates directly into exciting opportunities. I believe that the untapped potential means there is still an ample market share to be captured across the supply chain of this industry,' he told delegates at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference 2025: Corridor to Transform Vision to Reality last week. The conference was hosted by Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC), in collaboration with Qhazanah Sabah Bhd, the strategic investment arm of the Sabah state government. The event was attended by representatives from Qhazanah Sabah, MARC, Energy Commission of Sabah, Sustainable Energy Development Authority and government officials from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Hajiji said while there are climate shift and energy volatility, Sabah has shown resilience, where the state has adapted and collaborated closely with the federal government in its efforts to move forward. 'In every growing economy, it is a consensual understanding that energy is not a side agenda. It is the core of economic development and with the vision of reducing carbon footprint shared globally, Sabah is no exception to partake in this endeavor. 'Every school that lights up, every factory that expands, and every job that is created to support the adoption of renewable energy tells us one thing: Sabah's energy future is Malaysia's economic future. 'The government firmly shares this belief and transcends it beyond just kilowatts and carbon emissions,' he said. Hajiji said it is because of this that Sabah is increasing its efforts to proactively build a renewable energy future, capitalising on its abundant resources to build its readiness to meet the global energy landscape that is tangled in the trilemma of security, affordability and sustainability. 'I believe if we can commission the 50-megawatt Sabah Solar PV Park that is responsible for powering over 10,000 households, then we can envision a future and initiate our progress towards achieving more than 50% capacity of renewable energy share comprising multiple portfolios of renewable resources. 'However, we cannot deny that big visions would require long-term commitment that begins with establishing a framework that is personalised to Sabah's needs.' Hajiji said that this understanding led to the establishment of the Energy Commission of Sabah and the shift of regulatory autonomy from federal to Sabah. He also noted the importance of synergistic relationship, and such synergy is best achieved by promoting better alignment of Sabah's development to that of Malaysia. 'And we do this by charting our own strategic measures that are customised to suit our advantages. This establishment is our call for action towards gaining autonomy in deciding what we believe is best for us. It is a call for action that Sabah is ready to embark on a journey that will push our energy trajectory into one that position our state as one of the key drivers in contributing to Malaysia's success in reducing its carbon footprint. 'With the transfer of regulatory authority and guidance from the Sabah Energy Road Map and Masterplan, we aim to align with the goals of the National Energy Transition Roadmap by developing our own flagship projects. 'These initiatives will mark Sabah's journey towards becoming a low greenhouse gas emission state by 2050,' Hajiji said.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah sets sights on becoming Asean's renewable energy model
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah can transform into a model for renewable energy development within the Asean region with the support of financial institutions and robust regulatory framework inputs from industry experts. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said it is with utmost confidence that the government welcomes investors, entrepreneurs and partners from around the globe in establishing a symbiotic relationship that will ultimately play a vital role in shaping the state's future. 'Sabah is open for business, and throughout my tenure as the head of the administration, we have established not just a framework but also an action plan that has made significant strides in creating a business-friendly environment as a result of streamlining our policies. 'The fact that we have much more development translates directly into exciting opportunities. I believe that the untapped potential means there is still an ample market share to be captured across the supply chain of this industry,' he told delegates at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference 2025: Corridor to Transform Vision to Reality last week. The conference was hosted by Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC), in collaboration with Qhazanah Sabah Bhd, the strategic investment arm of the Sabah state government. The event was attended by representatives from Qhazanah Sabah, MARC, Energy Commission of Sabah, Sustainable Energy Development Authority and government officials from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Hajiji said while there are climate shift and energy volatility, Sabah has shown resilience, where the state has adapted and collaborated closely with the federal government in its efforts to move forward. 'In every growing economy, it is a consensual understanding that energy is not a side agenda. It is the core of economic development and with the vision of reducing carbon footprint shared globally, Sabah is no exception to partake in this endeavor. 'Every school that lights up, every factory that expands, and every job that is created to support the adoption of renewable energy tells us one thing: Sabah's energy future is Malaysia's economic future. 'The government firmly shares this belief and transcends it beyond just kilowatts and carbon emissions,' he said. Hajiji said it is because of this that Sabah is increasing its efforts to proactively build a renewable energy future, capitalising on its abundant resources to build its readiness to meet the global energy landscape that is tangled in the trilemma of security, affordability and sustainability. 'I believe if we can commission the 50-megawatt Sabah Solar PV Park that is responsible for powering over 10,000 households, then we can envision a future and initiate our progress towards achieving more than 50% capacity of renewable energy share comprising multiple portfolios of renewable resources. 'However, we cannot deny that big visions would require long-term commitment that begins with establishing a framework that is personalised to Sabah's needs.' Hajiji said that this understanding led to the establishment of the Energy Commission of Sabah and the shift of regulatory autonomy from federal to Sabah. He also noted the importance of synergistic relationship, and such synergy is best achieved by promoting better alignment of Sabah's development to that of Malaysia. 'And we do this by charting our own strategic measures that are customised to suit our advantages. This establishment is our call for action towards gaining autonomy in deciding what we believe is best for us. It is a call for action that Sabah is ready to embark on a journey that will push our energy trajectory into one that position our state as one of the key drivers in contributing to Malaysia's success in reducing its carbon footprint. 'With the transfer of regulatory authority and guidance from the Sabah Energy Road Map and Masterplan, we aim to align with the goals of the National Energy Transition Roadmap by developing our own flagship projects. 'These initiatives will mark Sabah's journey towards becoming a low greenhouse gas emission state by 2050,' Hajiji said.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Strategic location, abundant natural resources fuel Sabah's renewable energy development
KOTA KINABALU: The growth of renewable energy in Sabah is not just an aspiration but a step forward towards reality, Qhazanah Sabah Bhd group CEO Datuk Ahmad Rizal Dahli said. He said Sabah is strategically located near several rapidly growing regional economies, giving the state the potential to tap into new market opportunities and benefit from spillover effects – especially with its close proximity to emerging economic hubs like Indonesia' Nusantara. 'With Sabah's abundance of natural resources – especially its high solar radiation levels – it holds enormous potential for renewable energy development. 'In fact, the state could generate up to 99.4GW from solar PV alone, making it a promising player in shaping sustainable energy solutions for the future,' he told delegates at the Sabah Renewable Energy Conference 2025 held last week. Ahmad Rizal said the synergy between public and private sectors, regulators and investors, and innovators and implementers is essential. 'Looking ahead, it is essential to foster collaboration that leverages the strengths of all stakeholder groups – from financial institutions and technology providers to regulators and asset developers. 'To achieve this, we recognise that green financing, sustainable investment models, and ESG-aligned capital flows are no longer optional – they are key drivers of future growth,' he said. Ahmad Rizal said renewable energy goes beyond just power generation and infrastructure – it's about uplifting communities, creating quality jobs, and building resilience across Sabah, especially among rural and indigenous populations. 'To us, partnerships reflect the significant collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve a collective goal to drive the change within Sabah's renewable energy industry. 'Let today be the start of stronger collaboration and bold, forward-thinking ideas. Together, we must commit to building a Sabah that stands out in Malaysia's clean energy future. 'This is no longer a choice – it's a necessity. Each of us has a role to play in protecting our environment while still creating economic opportunities,' Ahmad Rizal said. Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) group CEO Arshad Mohamed Ismail said Sabah has long been a key contributor to Malaysia's economy. However, the state's energy sector faces significant challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability. He said electricity supply remains constrained, as reflected in Sabah's lower reserve margin compared to that of Peninsular Malaysia, underscoring the urgent need to expand generation capacity. 'The situation is further compounded by the state's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with 86% of power generation currently dependent on natural gas – a resource that is finite in the long term. 'Despite having an estimated 101GW of renewable energy potential, particularly in hydro, solar, and biomass, only 7.3% of Sabah's current energy mix is derived from renewable sources. 'This highlights the need for the state to move towards cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions,' he said. Arshad said the launch of the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 sets a bold vision for reliable, affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy by 2040. With targets like 50% renewable capacity by 2035, full rural electrification by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050, success will require strong public-private partnerships and significant investment. 'At MARC, we envision ourselves as Sabah's key partner in transforming today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities. Our primary focus is on enabling a secure and sustainable energy future for Sabah by providing professional financial expertise to support these critical transitions. 'MARC is able to provide rigorous assessments of renewable energy projects. By meticulously rating green and sustainability-linked bonds and sukuk, we reinforce investor confidence and validate Sabah's strong AAA domestic credit profile. 'This robust foundation is essential to unlocking the capital required for large-scale renewable energy projects,' he said. Arshad said MARC remains committed to supporting Sabah's renewable energy aspirations through its expertise in credit ratings, green financing, and investment facilitation.
