Power supply restored to Cahya Mata phosphate complex in Samalaju
by Marilyn Ten · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Sept 9): Power supply to Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad’s (Cahya Mata) phosphate complex in Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu was restored today, enabling commissioning activities to resume.
Cahya Mata in a press release said the phosphate complex, a 142-hectare facility, is operated by Cahya Mata Phosphates Industries Sdn Bhd (Cahya Mata Phosphates), which manufactures yellow phosphorus (YP), technical grade phosphoric acid (TPA) and food-grade phosphoric acid (FGA) with a purity of 99.9 per cent.
Cahya Mata Phosphates is 79.07 per cent owned by Samalaju Industries Sdn Bhd and 1.12 per cent owned by Cahya Mata Professionals Sdn Bhd, both wholly owned subsidiaries of Cahya Mata.
Cahya Mata group managing director Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib said the re-energisation of power for the phosphate complex marks a significant step towards commercialisation of the operation.
“This project will help Malaysia realise its first phosphate plant, enhancing food security at home and building resilience across regional supply chains,” he said.
Mainly powered by Sarawak’s renewable hydropower, the facility will restart operations through a phased ramp-up and is expected to reach full capacity in the first half of 2026 after meeting all safety, quality and performance standards.
Strategically located near the Samalaju deepwater port, the facility is well positioned to serve both domestic demand and regional export markets.
YP is targeted for domestic use and export to Japan, Korea, India, Taiwan and Europe, while TPA and FGA will serve local markets as well as Thailand, Japan and Indonesia.
At full capacity, the plant will produce 48,000 metric tons of YP, 75,000 metric tons of TPA, and 60,000 metric tons of FGA annually.
Malaysia currently imports most of its supply from other countries in the region; local production will reduce reliance on imports and help build a stronger, more resilient food manufacturing industry.
The phosphate complex will also provide building blocks for downstream chemical clusters, while creating much needed skilled jobs and broader opportunities for the industry.