LONGi Malaysia breaks ground for new RM1.3b Bintulu Samalaju plant

20 Oct 2023

LONGi Malaysia held a ground-breaking ceremony on Friday for its new RM1.3 billion Samalaju plant, situated on a 125-acre (50.59-hectare) site.

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) said in a statement that the ceremony was officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the state’s minister for international trade and investment.

Mida chief executive officer Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman said the substantial investment in the new Samalaju plant further underscores Malaysia’s position as a prime hub for comprehensive solar ecosystem manufacturing.

“It is also a testament to the company’s confidence in the capabilities of our local talent, including highly skilled engineers and technicians.

“We are hopeful that LONGi’s pioneering efforts will serve as a shining example for the entire industry, inspiring others to follow suit, and contribute to our collective growth and success,” he said in the same statement.

The project is the first solar manufacturing factory in the Bintulu Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP). The Bintulu monocrystalline ingot manufacturing project covers an area of 125 acres, with a forecast investment of RM1.3 billion.

LONGi said the SIP was chosen due to its proximity to its raw materials supplier and deep-sea port, as well as for its affordable and sizeable industrial land.

“It will have a capacity of 6GW or equivalent to producing 13,000 metric tons per annum. Production is expected to begin at the plant in the first quarter of 2024.

“The new project will hire 1,213 new employees, of which at least 90% are to be filled by locals, and 20% will cater for positions in science, technology and engineering,” it said.

Source: Bernama