OSAKA: Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd, a ferroalloy investor in Samalaju International Park, and Export-Import Bank of Malaysia (EXIM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Osaka EXPO 2025 Malaysian Pavillion, involving an investment of USD 20 million.

According to a statement on Monday, the signing ceremony was represented by EXIM Bank Malaysia President and Chief Executive Officer, Nurbayu Kasim Chang and Pertama Ferroalloys Chairman, Hirotaka Suzuki.

The ceremony was witnessed by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia (MITI), Dato Hairil Yahri Yaacob, and Pertama Ferroalloys Board of Director and General Manager, Yuki Nakamura.

According to Yuki Nakamura, this collaboration will serve as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when vision aligns with decisive action, echoing the spirit of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Pertama Ferroalloys has earlier announced that they are currently discussing new investment in EMM (Electrolytic Manganese Metal) and HPMnS (High Purity Manganese Sulphate) business along with Japan government and conducting feasibility study to build such facilities in Sarawak.

The plan was also shared to the Sarawak Government, as conveyed during a key meeting led by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg with the Ministry of Trade, Economy, and Industry (METI) Japan in Tokyo in December 2024.

This strategic initiative will significantly elevate Sarawak's industrial capabilities within the renewable energy sector, through the production of EMM and HPMnS.

“These crucial materials are essential for advanced steel used in renewable energy – solar battery storage powering electric vehicles (EVs).

“This significant step forward builds upon Pertama's established presence and unwavering commitment to Sarawak's economic advancement,” the statement said. -UKASnews