The giant South Korean industrial giant group, Kibing, will build a RM7.2 billion solar manufacturing plant in Kimanis, Papar, Sabah. The Group’s subsidiary, SBH Kibing New Solar Energy (N) Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Government on 11 June 2024 to expand its investment in Sabah.

The Group has already pumped RM3 billion in investment into the silica sand processing plant and solar glass manufacturing plant at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) over the last three years and the business has generated 1,800 jobs in the local community. The Group has also added another third RM700 million production line to its existing facility in KKIP and and which has created 600 additional job.

Operating at its present capacity, the manufacturing plant produces 1,200 tons of solar glass daily. By June 2024, the production be 2,400 tons per day. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, who witnessed the signing of the MoU on 11 June 2024, said the Group’s continuing and growing investment is testimony of the State Government's commitment and success in accelerating the growth of its industrial sector.

Hajiji said that the "Sabah Investor-Friendly" initiative - outlined in the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan - has bolstered investors' confidence and in attracting foreign investment.

The Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship has done its best to coordinate and facilitate protocols and procedures for foreign investment.

SBH Kibing New Solar Energy’s upcoming investment will be completed in three phases and the new investment is expected to create 5,000 job opportunities for Sabah.