Production Of Tocopherol Proof Of Sabah's Innovative Abilities To Utilise Palm Oil Resources

KUNAK, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The local production of Tocopherol under the brand name Sawit Kinabalu Tocotrienols (SKT3) is proof that Sabah is innovating by utilising the wealth of oil palm resources towards high-technology products, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the brand will be marketed soon, noting that Malaysia has long imported millions of kilograms of Vitamin E every year.

"With tocotrienol now produced locally, we are not only reducing our reliance on imports but also opening up new opportunities in the nutraceutical market while improving the health of Malaysians," he said in a statement here today.

He added that this effort will also create significant economic opportunities for the oil palm producing nation by boosting the production and development of value-added products.

Meanwhile, he said the opening of the Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd Phytonutrient Extraction Plant here will strategically position Sabah to meet the needs of the international oleochemical market.

“This plant is a testament to the Sawit Kinabalu Group's commitment to expanding and diversifying their operations beyond the production of raw commodities.

“This move is in line with the State Government's aspiration to strengthen the oil palm industry's value chain and ensure Sabah continues to be a leader in the high-value downstream sector," he added.

Hajiji said the plant will be a key catalyst for the state's revenue, providing skilled job opportunities for the people, and consequently strengthening Sabah's position as a regional oil palm downstream hub.

-- BERNAMA