Seawater desalination plant at POIC Lahad Datu to address water supply for industrial facilities

LAHAD DATU (Jan 6): The Jetama Seawater Desalination Plant at POIC Lahad Datu will help address water supply requirements for industrial factories in the area, said Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.

“Congratulations to POIC Sabah and Jetama Water on the collaboration in developing this innovation, which can serve as an in-situ solution for water supply in several locations in Sabah,” he said after launching the facility.

During the event, Ewon was briefed on the operations and desalination processes at the plant, as well as the current operations and development plans for POIC Lahad Datu, including the vision to position the area as the Eastern Gateway for Sabah.

“Presently, there are 46 large enterprises operating here at POIC Lahad Datu, with ample space for the development of new industries including within the POIC Free Zone.

“To continue expanding, POIC Lahad Datu requires additional industrial land, especially after obtaining Free Zone status supported by port operations managed by POIC,” he said.

Ewon also stressed the need to review existing policies related to the development of industrial parks throughout Sabah in order to strengthen the authority of industrial park management bodies.

After the event, he also visited the Legenda Bumimas factory, where he expressed full support for the development of downstream palm oil industries in Sabah, including at POIC Lahad Datu.

“Several initiatives are being implemented, including continuous engagement with CPO mills throughout Sabah and the preparation of a specific enactment to encourage the development of palm oil-based downstream industries in Sabah, including biomass.”

He also visited Genting Biorefinery, which is involved in biodiesel production, and noted the company was among the earliest enterprises to operate in POIC Lahad Datu.

Also present were Assistant Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum; the ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin; POIC Sabah chairman Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau; and POIC Sabah deputy chairman Datuk Janathan Kandok.