POIC Lahad Datu Creates 1,729 Jobs, 85% for Locals Including Youth from Silam and Lahad Datu

29 April 2026

LAHAD DATU: The downstream palm oil and biomass sector at the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) in Lahad Datu has generated 1,729 job opportunities, with around 85 per cent filled by local residents, including young people from the Silam state constituency and Lahad Datu parliamentary seat.

This was revealed by the Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick in response to a question from Dato' Dr. Mohammad Yusof Apdal (Silam) during today's state assembly sitting.

The 75 companies operating at POIC engage in activities such as oleochemicals, biodiesel production, and biomass-based products. Jobs span various skill levels, including:

Production and processing operators,

Technicians and machine maintenance staff

, Operations supervisors and quality control personnel, Technical officers and engineers as well as

Logistics, utilities, safety, and administrative support roles.

The average monthly salaries are competitive, varying by experience and qualifications:

General workers and operators: RM1,500–RM2,600

Technicians or supervisors: RM2,500–RM4,000

Technical officers or professionals: RM4,000 and above

The minister highlighted career progression opportunities, allowing local youth to advance from operator to supervisory, technical, or management roles through on-the-job training.

In a supplementary question, Dato' Dr. Mohammad Yusof asked about plans for a dedicated "satellite training centre" in Lahad Datu, in partnership with industry, to align youth skills with TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) standards. He also inquired about efforts to involve young entrepreneurs in POIC's supply chain.

The minister affirmed that the state government, via POIC, is strengthening ties with training agencies for certification, upskilling, and reskilling programmes to keep local youth competitive. While no specific proposal for a new centre exists yet, collaboration with the Federal Government is possible.

POIC's operations have already fostered a robust local service and industry supply chain, benefiting Lahad Datu residents.