Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is set to host Malaysia’s first integrated solar-poultry farm, following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Koperasi Star Sabah Berhad and High Power New Energy Sdn Bhd.
The RM800 million project, located on 500 acres in Nabawan, will combine a large-scale poultry operation with a 150MW solar power plant supported by battery energy storage (BESS).
The hybrid model aims to simultaneously address Sabah’s electricity needs and boost local food production.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Officiating the signing on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan called the initiative a model for sustainable rural development.
“This project is about more than just renewable energy. It’s about shaping the future of our communities by creating jobs, strengthening food security, and powering areas like Nabawan, Tambunan, and the soon-to-be-upgraded full district of Sook,” said Dr. Jeffrey.
The solar plant, expected to be operational within two years, will supply much-needed electricity to interior regions of Sabah, where shortages remain a pressing issue.
The stable power supply is anticipated to draw further investment into rural areas and support broader economic activity.
At the same time, the poultry farm would help to meet Sabah’s domestic demand of 1 million chickens per day so dependency on chicken imports from the peninsula and abroad can be reduced.
The farm will also incorporate feed production, involving local communities in upstream agriculture.
Dr. Jeffrey emphasized that this pioneering dual-sector initiative is in line with the Sabah government’s mission to uplift rural communities through inclusive economic models.
“Every family, every farmer, and every member of the rural community deserves equal opportunity to progress and compete,” he said.
The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs during both the construction and operational phases, ranging from technical roles in solar energy maintenance to poultry management and logistics.
It will also spur development of essential infrastructure including housing, transport, and education.
“Additionally, High Power New Energy will contribute 10 percent of net profits to a trust fund managed by the Sabah Veterinary Department to support infrastructure development and community programs without relying solely on state or federal budgets.
“As part of the initiative, Koperasi Star Sabah plans to establish an education fund in the interior regions to invest in youth development and human capital.
Dr. Jeffrey concluded by urging all stakeholders including the veterinary department, community organizations, and local residents to work hand in hand to ensure the project’s success.
“This is not just a pilot, this is a new model for Sabah’s development. Let us make it a success story for the whole state,”he said.