KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 26): Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd (SCIB) said it is acquiring leasehold plots in Demak Laut Industrial Park in Kuching from the Land and Survey Department of Sarawak measuring 8.85 ha for RM21.62 million cash.

This follows an earlier filing by SCIB on Jan 17, which clarified it was in talks with the Sarawak state government to acquire the land plots for the purpose of expanding its production capacity.

The five plots of land are located some 15km from Kuching City Centre.

The industrial factory to be erected on-site, SCIB said, will produce concrete-related products such as spun piles, spun pipes and reinforced concrete products. Construction is expected to start in 2Q2024, and to complete by 1Q2025 for operations to kick-start in 2Q2025, it said.

It added that it has been planning to relocate its current factory in Pending Industrial Estate to the bigger new site, which will allow it to increase production capacity by almost 30%.

“After relocating to the new Demak Laut site, the existing land at Pending Industrial Estate could be used for mixed development purposes subject to project feasibility studies,” SCIB said.

SCIB group MD Ku Chong Hong said in a statement that the expansion “aligns perfectly with the anticipated increase in demand driven by Sarawak's rapid infrastructure development plans in the coming years”.

“While we are aware of the ongoing market fluctuations, SCIB remains steadfast in our commitment to delivering value to our shareholders.

“This investment is a clear indication of our dedication to long-term growth and profitability, ensuring SCIB continues to play a significant role in Sarawak's industrial landscape,” Ku said.

SCIB first announced the plan to acquire the plots of land last week, following a massive sell-off in its shares at the time, as half a dozen counters hit limit-down that week due partly to brokers tightening margin trading on certain counters.

The counter, which hit a new high of RM1.19 on Jan 15, fell to as low as 29 sen — its lowest closing price in seven months amid the market sell-off.

It has since rebounded slightly to close at 44.5 sen on Friday; still down 52% since the start of the year.

At its last close, SCIB had a market capitalisation of RM284.9 million.

In a separate filing, SCIB has also revalued five property assets under its belt, raising its net asset value by RM52.3 million or eight sen per share.

The adjustments, before deferred tax, totalled RM68.99 million, based on market value of the five assets of RM100 million, compared to its carrying value of RM31.62 million before the revaluations.

This brings its NTA per share to 21 sen as at end-September, from 13 sen per share previously.