The State Government of Sabah, through the Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development (MID), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China-based SBH Kibing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn Bhd to develop a silica sand processing plant for the production of solar panels in Malaysia. The renewable energy project will be developed under an initial investment of RM2 billion.
Commercial operation of the plant is scheduled to commence in 2024. The project is expected to generate about 2,000 jobs, out of which 80 per cent of the jobs will be awarded to local workers of Sabah.