Cement plant better in the jungle, says Borneo Cement Sabah chairman

KOTA KINABALU: Borneo Cement Sabah (BCS) chairman Datuk Masiung Banah has defended the decision to build a RM1.2bil cement and clinker plant in the remote forests of Tongod.

He said it was a practical and environmentally conscious move that will bring economic growth to one of Malaysia’s poorest districts.

“What is the problem with building a cement plant in the forest? We cannot possibly build it in the city.

“Isn’t it better to have an industrial zone in the forest rather than near urban areas where it would cause major issues with solid waste and air pollution?” he asked.

The Kuamut assemblyman explained in a statement on Monday (April 21) that the project site contains key raw materials such as limestone, clay, sand, and stone, making it a strategic location for cement production.

The project is spearheaded by Borneo Cement (Sabah) Sdn Bhd – a joint venture between Sedco, which is a Sabah government linked company and Sri Alam Setia Sdn Bhd – will be constructed by Sinoma Industrial Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd.

Banah was responding to recent remarks by Lamag assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who questioned the plant’s feasibility during the Sabah state assembly sitting on April 15.

Bung Moktar had claimed the site lacked electricity, water and road access, and alleged the project’s main investor had withdrawn, leaving logging activity in its place.

Describing Bung Moktar’s comments as misleading, Banah said the remarks had sparked anger among Tongod residents.

“Perhaps Bung Moktar has his own agenda. His statements create the impression that the clinker project has failed, when in fact it’s still in its early implementation phase.

“He should be supporting this initiative as it promises over 1,000 job opportunities and new business prospects for the local community,” he said.

Banah also refuted allegations of logging at the site, noting that the area is largely covered by limestone and is not suited for timber extraction.

He added that the main investor, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd of China, along with BCS, is actively carrying out preliminary works, including road construction from the factory site at Kampung Kayawoi to the main road in Kampung Matiku, Nabawan.

Electricity and water infrastructure are currently being installed alongside the construction of a new optical telecommunications tower to improve connectivity.

The Tongod cement plant project was launched by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in April last year.

During the GRS roadshow in Kampung Sogo-Sogo on Sunday (April 20), Banah also welcomed 112 new members into Gagasan Rakyat Kuamut, led by former teacher-trainer Micheal Tamoi.