By Shikin Louis
BINTULU, Oct 20: LONGi Malaysia Sdn Bhd has invested RM1.3 billion to set up a new manufacturing plant at Samalaju Industrial Park here, in addition to the existing plants at Sama Jaya High Tech Park in Kuching.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said LONGi has existed in Sarawak since 2016, commencing operations when it acquired SunEdison (MEMC) facilities in Sama Jaya.
Within one and a half year, LONGi acquired two additional properties in Sama Jaya (Sanmina and Comtec plants) and aggressively proceeded with its expansion plans in the following years to cater for growing PV (photovoltaic) demands of the global market.
“With this new facility in Samalaju, you (LONGi) should be able to achieve better efficiencies by being closer to upstream producers of polycrystalline silicone, creating tighter integration and reducing your carbon footprint,” he said in his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new plant at Samalaju Industrial Park here today.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Awang Tengah who is also Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak and Minister for International Trade and Investment Sarawak, mentioned that the new plant would create about 1,220 employment opportunities.
“Besides that, there is a lot of spin-offs that could benefit our local entrepreneurs.
“This means Samalaju would receive more investments apart from the Sarawak Petrochemical Hub developed by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and more.
“Secondly, this would increase our economy and thirdly, it will provide opportunities for contractors, entrepreneurs and local businesses to develop,” he added. – DayakDaily
