KOTA KINABALU: A new seawater desalination plant is set to boost water security and sustainability at POIC Lahad Datu, with an initial capacity of 0.5 million liters per day (MLD), scalable to 2.5 MLD.
A collaboration between Jetama Sdn Bhd and POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, this project marks Sabah’s first commercial-scale seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) filtration system for industrial water production.
Jetama CEO’s Datuk Ahmad Naim Bin Uddang said this initiative will provide a sustainable water supply for the POIC Lahad Datu Industrial Zone.
A Pioneering Collaboration
This partnership between two state-owned entities signals a shift in Sabah’s water production, which has traditionally relied on river sources. The modular, mobile, and upgradable system expands the state’s water capacity and offers a scalable solution for outlying areas.
The official agreement was sealed today during the exchange of the documents at Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu, witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, represented by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
Jetama Chairman Datuk Yussof Abd Manan and Datuk Thomas Logijin, Permanent Secretary of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry (MIDE) were also present.
The plant will be built on a 3.21-acre site at POIC Lahad Datu, Phase 2 (Land 32A), with seawater intake from the Dry Bulk Terminal.
Project Timeline & Phases
The project will be implemented in three key phases:
Phase 1: Design, build, and commission a 0.5 MLD desalination system by May 31st, 2025.
Phase 2: Conduct a three-month Proof of Concept (PoC) to assess system efficiency and reliability.
Phase 3: Expand capacity to 2.5 MLD upon successful completion of the PoC.
Risk Management & Sustainability
Datuk Ahmad Naim emphasized risk mitigation in areas such as regulatory approvals, procurement, technology integration, and environmental management.
“A brine and waste management strategy will be implemented to minimize environmental impact,” he added.
“Jetama Sdn Bhd is committed to maintaining quality, efficiency, and environmental responsibility throughout the project,” said Datuk Ahmad Naim.
A Step Towards Water Security
With rising industrial demand in POIC Lahad Datu, the desalination system offers a sustainable and resilient solution to water scarcity.
The successful execution of this initiative will strengthen Lahad Datu’s industrial infrastructure and secure a reliable water supply for future expansion.
Deasoka
