LAHAD DATU, SABAH, MALAYSIA January 2026 – Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick today officiated the JETAMA Seawater Desalination Plant, the state’s first such facility designed to meet the industrial water needs of enterprises at the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ewon described the plant as a pioneering in-situ solution to address water supply challenges faced by factories in the area.
“Congratulations to POIC Sabah and JETAMA Water for this collaboration in developing an innovation that can serve as an on-site solution for water supply in several locations across Sabah,” he said.
During the event, Ewon received a detailed briefing on the plant’s operations and desalination processes. He was also updated on the latest developments and future plans for POIC Lahad Datu, including its vision to become Sabah’s Eastern Gateway.
Currently, 46 major enterprises operate within the cluster, with additional space available for new investments, particularly in the Free Zone area. Ewon noted that further industrial land is required to sustain growth, especially following the Free Zone status and the operation of the POIC port.
He also highlighted the importance of JETAMA Water’s industrialised water solution in overcoming water supply constraints within the industrial park.
On broader policy, Ewon stressed the need to review existing guidelines for industrial park development statewide to strengthen the authority of managing bodies.
“The Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) Sabah will continue to fully support POIC Lahad Datu as one of the state’s key industrial parks that must be developed as Sabah’s Eastern Gateway,” he added.
Later, Ewon visited Legenda Bumimas Sdn Bhd, where he reaffirmed strong support for downstream palm oil industries in Sabah, including the biomass sector.
Ongoing initiatives include continuous engagement with crude palm oil (CPO) mills statewide and the preparation of specific legislation to encourage downstream palm oil-based enterprises, particularly in biomass.
“I appreciate the domestic investment made by Legenda Bumimas, which deserves full support from the ministry,” he said.
The minister also toured Genting Biorefinery, a biodiesel producer and one of the earliest companies to operate at POIC Lahad Datu. He commended the company for employing an entirely local workforce.
Accompanying Ewon were Assistant Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum, Permanent Secretary of MINDET Datuk Thomas Logijin, POIC Sabah Chairman Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, Deputy Chairman Datuk Janathan Kandok, heads of government departments and agencies, and senior POIC Sabah officials.
About The Author
