BINTULU: SOP Green Energy Sdn Bhd’s phytonutrients plant with a production capacity of 250kg carotenes rich fraction (CRF) and 60kg tocotrienols rich fraction (TRF) per day, which started operations in 2017, was yesterday officially declared open by Minister of Primary Industries, Teresa Kok.
The plant is the realisation of Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad’s (SOPB) goal to expand further into downstream segment of the industry.
The company in a statement said the plant, which specialises in the extraction and purification of carotenes (Pro-Vitamin A) and tocotrienols (vitamin E) from palm oil, is equipped with sophisticated technology pioneered by Malaysian Plan Oil Board (MPOB).
Kok (fourth right), Ling (on her right) and others cut the ribbon to declare open the plant.
Construction of the RM65 million plant was completed in 2016 with RM15.63 million National Key Economy Area (NKEA) grant from MPOB. It is located at SOP Bintulu Downstream Complex in Kidurong Industrial Estate.
SOP Green Energy phytonutrients plant manufactures a range of natural ingredients such as tocotrienols (commonly known as super vitamin E) and carotenes (vitamin A). Both ingredients are used naturally in pharmaceutical usage, as a natural food colorant, animal feed, functional food and cosmetic.
“Our brand names consist of T3E (tocotrienols), caro-A (carotenes), and are both certified under Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is registered internationally in regions such as Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and United States of America.
“We also have two-in-house brands – Merris Red Palm Oil Classic and Meris Red Palm Oil Premium.
“These oils are suitable for cooking, salad dressings and dippings,” the company said.
SOP Group is focusing on adding more value-added activities to its supply
chain and is looking to boost production in downstream segment as well as expanding and strengthening its international presence.
MPOB (R&D) deputy director general Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, a board member Senator Alan Ling, Sarawak Oil Palms Group executive chairman Tan Sri Datuk Ling Chiong Ho, and SOP Group chief executive officer Paul Wong were among those present at the opening ceremony.
Source: The Borneo Post Online – https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/06/30/kok-declares-open-phytonutrients-plant/