12/10/2009 (Bernama), Kota Kinabalu - The Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) in Lahad Datu is expected to be fully operational in two years time, said the Managing Director of Kumpulan Sawit Kinabalu Sdn Bhd, Othman Walat.

The first phase of POIC involving 400 hectares of land is almost ready and the second phase is expected to take off soon.

"In Phase 1, the foundation is being laid for the setting up of various industries related to palm oil.

"After that, we will work on other infrastructures like jetty, pipes, communication systems and electricity power.

"We expect all will be ready and fully operational by two years," Othman told reporters at the Sawit Kinabalu open house event here Monday.

He said the state government owned company was also in discussions with several companies involved in the industry, urging them to join POIC.

He, however, could not disclose the confirmed number of companies participating in the POIC.

"Most of the companies interested are domestic companies.

"There are also foreign companies such as those coming in from Germany, China, but they are still in the wait-and-see mode amid the global economy which is yet to recover," he added.