CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES (MALAYA) LEADS GREEN INNOVATION WITH NEW CORN-BASED ETHANOL PLANT IN PERAK

^{Chemical Industries (Malaya) Sdn. Bhd. (CIM) today inaugurated its state- of-the-art corn-based ethanol production facility in Persiaran Tasek, Ipoh, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth and innovation journey.}


IPOH, Perak, July 25 (Bernama) -- Chemical Industries (Malaya) Sdn. Bhd. (CIM), a subsidiary of public-listed Hexza Corporation Berhad, today inaugurated its state- of-the-art corn-based ethanol production facility in Persiaran Tasek, Ipoh, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth and innovation journey. The new plant exemplifies CIM’s unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and the advancement of its operations through modern, circular production methods. 
 
In a strategic shift from molasses to corn as its primary feedstock, CIM now produces ethanol through natural fermentation and distillation using high-quality corn. A key byproduct of this process - Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) – is repurposed into high-value livestock feed, reinforcing CIM’s adoption of circular economy principles. This makes CIM the first manufacturer and supplier of locally produced DDGS in Malaysia, supporting both food security and sustainable agriculture.
 
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, emphasised, “The launch of Chemical Industries (Malaya)’s corn-based ethanol facility, exemplifies how circular economy principles can be turned into real economic value, optimising agricultural resources while creating new, high-impact downstream industries such as Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) for livestock feed. It strengthens Malaysia’s bio-based value chain, reduces import dependencies, and opens new frontiers for sustainable industrial growth. At MIDA, we welcome such practical investments that support our vision of building a more sustainable manufacturing sector while creating valuable opportunities for our agricultural communities.”
 
Tuan Haji Mohamad Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of InvestPerak, said, “Chemical Industries (Malaya) has had a long-standing presence in Perak and we are pleased to witness their continued confidence in the state through this latest expansion into cornbased ethanol production. This new facility not only reflects CIM’s commitment to innovation and sustainability but also reinforces Perak’s position as a preferred destination for high-value and future-ready investments. The launch of this plant signifies how strategic investments in bio-based industries can contribute meaningfully to the state’s industrial growth, job creation and advancement of a circular economy.”

Mr. Foong Leon Chiew, Executive Director of Hexza Corporation Bhd., said “This cornbased ethanol plant is an important milestone and strategic investment for CIM. It reinforces our position as the leading producer and supplier of ethanol and DDGS in Malaysia, and our strong commitment to sustainable production.”
 
CIM’s new facility is designed with high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards in mind, focusing on minimal waste, responsible sourcing and reinvestment into the local community to ensure long-term sustainable development.
 
CIM has a rich legacy as Malaysia’s first ethanol producer, having commenced operations in 1962. The company offers a wide range of ethanol products, from 96% to absolute ethanol, meeting the needs of diverse ethanol end-users. Its product portfolio also includes natural vinegar (through wholly owned subsidiary Bio-Acetic Products Sdn. Bhd.) and now DDGS, further diversifying its market reach.  
 
Throughout its history, CIM has remained a benchmark for quality and compliance. In 1994, it became one of the first in the sector to achieve prestigious MS:ISO9002 certification, in accordance with the British Pharmacopoeia standards. This dedication to excellence has earned CIM a solid reputation as a trusted and reliable industrial partner across Malaysia and beyond.
 
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SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Wan Hariati Wan Salleh
Sr. Deputy Director
Food Technology & Resource Based Industries Division
MIDA
Tel: +603-2267 6654
Email: whariati@mida.gov.my

Name: Ms. Lim See Cheng 
Deputy General Manager 
Tel: +605-291 3128
Email: seecheng@hexza.com.my 

Name: Mr. Chun Eugene
Marketing & Sales Manager 
Tel: +605-291 3128
Email: cimmkt@hexza.com.my