KOTAKINABAL, SABAH December 30, 2025 – Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister III, who is also the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Ewon Benedick, conducted a working visit to the SBH Kibing New Solar Energy plant at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) in Sepanggar today to review the company’s operations and development progress.
During the visit, he received a detailed briefing on the company’s operations, current achievements, and future expansion plans. Kibing Group, a leading Chinese conglomerate specialising in high-tech glass and solar materials, has made one of Sabah’s major industrial investments through its KKIP facility.
Ewon expressed pride in Kibing’s accomplishments, particularly its initiative to employ more than 84% of its workforce from among Sabahans, with a commitment to further increase this percentage in the future.
“I am proud of Kibing’s achievements and the initiatives they have successfully implemented, including employing more than 84 percent of workers from among Sabahans and efforts to continue increasing that percentage in the future,” he said.
He also appreciated the company’s implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes that benefit the local community and contribute to the state’s economic development.
At the same time, Ewon addressed the issue of congestion at Sepanggar Port, which affects not only Kibing but also other industry players in Sabah. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to tackling the problem proactively.
“I take this matter seriously and assure that proactive steps will be taken involving all stakeholders to ensure an effective solution,” he said.
Ewon added that strengthening the logistics ecosystem and port infrastructure is crucial to supporting the growth of the industrial sector and attracting more high-quality investments to Sabah.
The working visit was accompanied by representatives from various agencies, including the Sabah Ports Board, Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, KKIP Sdn Bhd, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, Sabah Energy Commission, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Sabah, Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR), Sabah State Railway Department, and state logistics industry associations.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Thomas Logijin, and the General Manager of the Sabah Ports Board, Dollyn Aloysius.
SBH Kibing New Solar Energy is a subsidiary of Kibing Group specialising in the production of solar glass, contributing to the global green energy industry while creating significant employment opportunities in Sabah.
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