POIC Lahad Datu Generates 1,729 Jobs, Local Youth Dominate Downstream Palm Oil and Biomass Sector
KOTA KINABALU, April 30 — The downstream palm oil and biomass sector at the Sabah Oil and Gas Industrial Park (POIC) Lahad Datu continues to strengthen its position as one of the state’s key industrial growth drivers, with rising participation from the local workforce, particularly youth.
Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III, Ewon Benedick, said this in response to a question raised by Datuk Dr. Mohammad Yusof bin Apdal, the Silam State Assemblyman, during the Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting.
The question focused on two main areas: the number of youths from the Silam constituency and Lahad Datu parliamentary area absorbed into the downstream palm oil and biomass industries at POIC Lahad Datu, as well as their average income, job categories, and skill levels.
According to Ewon Benedick, a total of 75 companies are currently operating in the downstream palm oil and biomass sector at POIC Lahad Datu, involving activities such as oleochemicals, biodiesel production, and biomass-based products.
He said these operations have generated 1,729 job opportunities to date, with around 85 per cent filled by Malaysians, including youths from the surrounding Lahad Datu area and the Silam constituency.
“This reflects a growing and structured participation of the local workforce in the industrial value chain, particularly within the palm oil and biomass downstream sector,” he said.
On job structure, he explained that employment opportunities span multiple skill levels, including production and processing operators, maintenance technicians, operations and quality control supervisors, technical and engineering officers, as well as supporting roles in logistics, utilities, security, and administration.
He added that this diversity reflects the increasingly technology-driven and efficiency-oriented nature of modern industrial operations.
Regarding wages, he said remuneration is competitive and varies depending on skills, qualifications, and experience, with estimates as follows:
- RM1,500 to RM2,600 per month for general workers and operators,
- RM2,500 to RM4,000 per month for technicians and supervisors, and
- RM4,000 and above for technical and professional officers.
In response to supplementary questions on youth skills development and local SME participation in industrial supply chains, Ewon Benedick said the state government, through POIC, will continue to strengthen strategic collaboration with training institutions and skills development agencies.
He said emphasis will be placed on upskilling and reskilling programmes to ensure the local workforce remains relevant and competitive in line with evolving industrial technologies.
While no specific proposal has yet been tabled for the establishment of a satellite training centre in Lahad Datu, he said the idea remains open for consideration through collaboration between the state government, the federal government, and industry players.
“The POIC Lahad Datu industrial ecosystem has created a broader value chain, opening opportunities for local entrepreneurs and youth to participate in various supporting sectors, including logistics, maintenance, technical services, and supply chain activities,” he said.
