New Phytonutrient Extraction Plant Boosts Sabah’s Position in the International Oleochemicals Market

State owned Sawit Kinabalu Group’s new Phytonutrient Extraction Plant – one of the Group’s expansion and diversification ventures beyond raw commodity production - is expected to spur new jobs and stimulate the local economy.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that the opening of Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd’s Phytonutrient Extraction Plant will propel Sabah into the international oleochemical market. “This new venture plant will further strengthen the palm oil industry’s value chain, and which will enhance Sabah as a leader in high-value downstream sectors,” Hajiji said at the plant’s opening ceremony on 30 September 2025 in Kunak.

“This new venture will be a catalyst for the state’s revenue, and it has already began creating skilled job opportunities for the local community.”

The Group has started producing local tocotrienols under the brand “Sawit Kinabalu Tocotrienols (SKT3)”, and with local production, Sabah will reduce its import dependency on the product and create new and competitive opportunities in the nutraceutical market. The State Government will continue to support investments that develop the palm oil downstream industry in a sustainable and innovative manner, Hajiji added.

Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, Deputy Chief Minister III / Works Minister, who is also Chairman of Sawit Kinabalu Group, delivered the CM’s speech.