Chemical Industries (MALAYA) Leads Green Innovation with New Corn-Based Ethanol Plant in Perak
IPOH, Perak, 25 July 2025 – Chemical Industries (Malaya) Sdn. Bhd. (CIM), a subsidiary of public-listed Hexza Corporation Berhad, today inaugurated its state- of-the-art corn-based ethanol production facility in Persiaran Tasek, Ipoh, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth and innovation journey. The new plant exemplifies CIM’s unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and the advancement of its operations through modern, circular production methods.
In a strategic shift from molasses to corn as its primary feedstock, CIM now produces ethanol through natural fermentation and distillation using high-quality corn. A key byproduct of this process – Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) – is repurposed into high-value livestock feed, reinforcing CIM’s adoption of circular economy principles. This makes CIM the first manufacturer and supplier of locally produced DDGS in Malaysia, supporting both food security and sustainable agriculture.
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, emphasised, “The launch of Chemical Industries (Malaya)’s corn-based ethanol facility, exemplifies how circular economy principles can be turned into real economic value, optimising agricultural resources while creating new, high-impact downstream industries such as Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) for livestock feed. It strengthens Malaysia’s bio-based value chain, reduces import dependencies, and opens new frontiers for sustainable industrial growth. At MIDA, we welcome such practical investments that support our vision of building a more sustainable manufacturing sector while creating valuable opportunities for our agricultural communities.”
Tuan Haji Mohamad Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of InvestPerak, said, “Chemical Industries (Malaya) has had a long-standing presence in Perak and we are pleased to witness their continued confidence in the state through this latest expansion into corn-based ethanol production. This new facility not only reflects CIM’s commitment to innovation and sustainability but also reinforces Perak’s position as a preferred destination for high-value and future-ready investments. The launch of this plant signifies how strategic investments in bio-based industries can contribute meaningfully to the state’s industrial growth, job creation and advancement of a circular economy.”
Mr. Foong Leon Chiew, Executive Director of Hexza Corporation Bhd., said “This corn-based ethanol plant is an important milestone and strategic investment for CIM. It reinforces our position as the leading producer and supplier of ethanol and DDGS in Malaysia, and our strong commitment to sustainable production.”
CIM’s new facility is designed with high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in mind, focusing on minimal waste, responsible sourcing and reinvestment into the local community to ensure long-term sustainable development.
CIM has a rich legacy as Malaysia’s first ethanol producer, having commenced operations in 1962. The company offers a wide range of ethanol products, from 96% to absolute ethanol, meeting the needs of diverse ethanol end-users. Its product portfolio also includes natural vinegar (through wholly owned subsidiary Bio-Acetic Products Sdn. Bhd.) and now DDGS, further diversifying its market reach.
Throughout its history, CIM has remained a benchmark for quality and compliance. In 1994, it became one of the first in the sector to achieve prestigious MS:ISO9002 certification, in accordance with the British Pharmacopoeia standards. This dedication to excellence has earned CIM a solid reputation as a trusted and reliable industrial partner across Malaysia and beyond.
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About MIDA
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.
About Invest Perak
Perak Investment Management Centre (PIMC) also known as InvestPerak, was established in January 2006 to serve as the ‘First Point of Contact for Investors’ in the manufacturing and services sectors in Perak. It primarily acts as the principal investment promotion agency of the Perak State Government and reports directly to the YAB Menteri Besar Perak. Perak State Government have mandated InvestPerak as secretariat for Centre of Investment (COI), which empowered the function of InvestPerak as facilitator in assisting investors to invest in Perak. COI@InvestPerak have the authority to issue ‘Fast-Track Letter’ for strategic projects, which put the investment projects as a priority for all relevant agencies in their approval process.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Wan Hariati Wan Salleh
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Food Technology & Resource Based Industries Division
MIDA,
Tel: +603-2267 6654
Email: [email protected]
Ms. Lim See Cheng
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Tel: +605-291 3128
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Mr. Chun Eugene
Marketing & Sales Manager
Tel: +605-291 3128
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