By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 6: Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad and Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) have signed a Shareholders’ Agreement to formalise their partnership for the state-of-the-art Fabrication Extrusion Production Line in Samalaju, Bintulu.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a hotel in Bintulu and broadcast live on YouTube by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) today.
The agreement follows an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Feb 27, 2025, which outlined plans for the solar module fabricated aluminium frame facility, with an estimated investment of RM600 million and a production target of 80,000 tonnes.
The Shareholders’ Agreement today covers investment commitments, operational roles and collaborative responsibilities between the parties.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the facility will produce high-precision aluminium frames and components for solar modules, operate with advanced automation, robotics and digital quality systems, and integrate seamlessly with the wider industrial ecosystem in Samalaju.
“Supported by substantial investment and impressive production capacity, the plant will be capable of meeting both regional demand and large-scale export markets,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also BDA chairman, added that the project is timely and strategically placed, as solar energy deployment expands globally, and Malaysia is already one of the key players in photovoltaic manufacturing.
“This new facility positions Sarawak, and Bintulu specifically, as a vital contributor in the global solar value chain, supplying high-quality aluminium components to module producers and system integrators worldwide,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad group chief executive officer Tan Sri Dato’ Koon Poh Keong described today’s agreement as a milestone in advancing downstream aluminium production in Samalaju.
He explained that the plant will focus on solar industry aluminium products, involving precision processes such as heating, pressing, heat-treating, coating (for 25-year product lifetime), and robotics-enabled fabrication to ensure high-quality output suitable for global assembly lines.
“Solar downstream is a tough industry, dominated by large Chinese manufacturers. We need to build an efficient plant, learn the right skills, and have strong support to compete…but we believe we can deliver,” he said.
He also revealed that the company has already invested over RM200 million and targets production to begin in March next year, despite the challenges of the rainy season.
The Shareholders’ Agreement was signed by BDA general manager Datu Muhamad Yakup Kari and Press Metal Group Chief Operating Officer of Extrusion Business Unit, Lim Heng Kam. Witnesses for the respective parties were BDA assistant general manager of Corporate Services Hasiah Morshidi and PMB Aluminium Sdn Bhd general manager Ding Wei.
Also present at the ceremony were Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Bintulu MP Dato Seri Tiong King Sing; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain; Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel; Bintulu Resident Datu Nyurak Keti; and BDA deputy chairman Dato Haidar Khan Asghar Khan. – DayakDaily
