19/07/2012 (Bernama) - Investments so far in the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) in Lahad Datu has hit RM4.5 billion, said State Industrial Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah.

As of July this year, 41 companies have invested in the Phase One and Phase Two of the industrial area, covering 459.71 acres.

These investors are involved in the industries of biodiesel, palm oil and palm kernel milling, logistics and godowns, property development, manufacturing of fertilizers as well as supporting services, Tan said in reply to a question from Jimmy Wong Sze Phin (DAP-Sri Tanjung) during the question and answer session at the Sabah State Assembly here Wednesday.

He said the response from both domestic and foreign investors towards the POIC industrial area has been highly encouraging.

On the progress of the site development, he said from the investments of the 41 companies, 11 units of factories or godowns have already been completed to an estimated investment amount of RM550 million. These have successfully created 323 employment opportunities.