SIPITANG, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- The Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), which has secured investments totalling about RM29.87 billion, is expected to begin operations in 2026 and 2027, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the investments include those from Esteel for a green steel plant with a phased investment value of RM20 billion, and from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) for the development of a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility with an investment value of RM8.8 billion.
Other investments include RM1 billion from E-Concern Sdn Bhd for waste management, and RM70 million from Tex Evolosi Waste Management Sdn Bhd.
“All the companies I mentioned will start operations in 2026 and 2027. These investments will create job opportunities starting from the construction phase and during operations.
“Certainly, the residents of Sipitang and the surrounding areas will benefit in various economic sectors,” he said in his speech at the official launch of the Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Traditional Food Carnival in conjunction with the Sabah Kadayan Annual Food Festival 2024 in Sipitang today.
The text of his speech was read by State Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Arifin Mohd Arif.
Hajiji said both foreign and domestic investors remain confident in the state administration, which has a clear direction, and their confidence is evident through investments totalling RM1.7 billion this year.
Meanwhile, he said the tourism industry in Sipitang needs to be strengthened to generate economic and employment benefits, given the district's strategic location, close to neighbouring countries like Brunei and Kalimantan, besides Sarawak and Labuan.
“The government also consistently supports traditional festivals such as the Ethnic Kadayan Food Festival and wants it to continue regularly to foster unity,” he said.
-- BERNAMA