KOTA KINABALU: The small town of Sikuati is set to benefit from a plant to process silica sand, slated to start development in May this year.

       The plant, which was part of an initial investment of RM2bil from a Chinese company, was expected to provide employment opportunities to the people in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

       In a statement on Saturday (Apr 23), the state Industrial Development Minister said this was the first significant activity in Sikuati that has been “sleeping” for a while, and for the Kudat district in general.

       "I hope that this silica investment will have a big impact on Sabah's economic development and that it will be sustainable."

       He said this after a hybrid meeting held to discuss the latest status of the SBH Kibing Solar New Materials (M) Sdn Bhd silica sand processing plant project.

       Among the issues raised in the meeting were the need for facilities such as electricity and water supply, added Joachim.

       He said the company had also applied to the government for workers' passes to be issued for 300 workers during the project.