MoU Signed for Groundbreaking Poultry-Solar Project in Sabah

24 April 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held today marks a significant step towards the establishment of a 150MW Poultry-Solar farm with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) on government land in Nabawan, Sabah.

Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, the deputy Chief minister 1 and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) for Sabah, who witnessed the event said this project represents not just a commitment to renewable energy, but a vision for the future, community, and an opportunity to enhance the people's quality of life in the State.

He highlighted that this collaborative venture will be the first of its kind in Sabah and Malaysia, integrating poultry farming with a solar energy facility on the same site.

The initiative aligns with the Sabah State Government's mission to improve the living standards of rural communities, providing every family, farmer, and less affluent community member with equal opportunities for advancement and competitiveness.

“Through the development of renewable energy, we aim to generate economic opportunities for cooperatives and invigorate investments that enhance local lives, offering job opportunities, infrastructure upgrades, and new business prospects for our youth,” he added.

Extending his heartfelt congratulations to the Board of Directors of Star Sabah Cooperative and High-Power New Energy Sdn Bhd, he said their collaborative efforts leveraged solar technology and poultry farming to optimise the use of 500 acres of land.

The Minister underscored the pressing need for this project, stating that the Nabawan district and adjacent areas require a consistent and sufficient electricity supply to meet local needs. 

“An adequate power supply will attract both local and foreign investors to the region.   Poultry farming represents an easily implementable solution for local communities, promising to boost family incomes.”

MAFFI remains steadfast in its commitment to realise government policies and aspirations. The recent reactivation of the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board, approved in this year’s State Assembly, exemplifies the government's dedication to advancing agriculture, fisheries, and the food industry sectors.

“I am resolute in my commitment to ensuring that agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and food industry development efforts are prioritised and strengthened,” Jeffery stated.

Expressing gratitude to High Power New Energy Sdn Bhd and Star Sabah Cooperative Berhad for their ongoing partnership, he noted that the company brings a wealth of expertise in various fields beyond renewable energy.

Discussions have taken place between the Sabah Veterinary Services Department, the Cooperative, and High Power New Energy about the project's benefits for all involved entities: the JPVS, the Cooperative, and the local community. Among the benefits outlined by High Power New Energy include:

- A commitment to contribute 10% of net profits to a Trust Fund that will finance infrastructure development and the JPVS programme, independent of state and federal budgets.

This project is expected to deliver direct benefits to cooperative members across Sabah, particularly in economics, education, and training. The establishment of an Educational Fund in the Upper Interior district will focus on supporting human capital development among the younger generation, Jeffery said.

As the project unfolds, diverse job opportunities will arise in technical fields, livestock management, renewable energy systems, landscaping, and logistical support. Jeffery expressed hope that all involved parties, including JPVS, ECOS, and local communities, will cooperate fully in executing this project.

“With the collective efforts and commitment of all stakeholders, we can accelerate our aspirations to make Sabah a more advanced state,” he affirmed.