25/05/2012 (Bernama) - The Sabah government is aware of the need to optimise resources through value-added downstream operations, says Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said the establishment of palm oil industrial clusters in Lahad Datu and Sandakan were testimony of the government's commitment to encourage businesses that add value to raw products like crude palm oil (CPO).

"There is much wealth that can be generated by adding value to raw products. We see growing interest among investors to set up base at the two palm oil industrial clusters.

"A combination of factors, including political stability, were drawing investors to Sabah," he said at the opening of the Palmex 2012 Technology Exhibition.

Musa said the Lahad Datu palm oil industrial cluster had attracted 40 investors, making it an industrial park with the largest concentration of investors with a combined investment of about RM5 billion.