PENANG, MALAYSIA, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- TANAKA MEP Refinery Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture between Japan-based TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd. and Malaysia-based MEP Enviro Technology Sdn. Bhd., yesterday inaugurated its groundbreaking facility at Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang. The RM70 million investment will establish Malaysia's first 4N precious metal refining factory, producing high-purity precious metals at 99.99% purity and positioning the country as a regional leader in advanced refining capabilities.
Developed on approximately three acres of land with a built-up area of 45,000 square feet, the facility will focus initially on producing 4N high-purity gold and potassium gold cyanide (PGC) for the electronics and semiconductor industries. Commercial operations are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2029.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, together with YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and attended by representatives from the state and federal government, industry, and relevant agencies.
YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, said, “Penang is proud to host Malaysia’s first 4N precious metal refining facility, adding another ecosystem partner to our established E&E and semiconductor ecosystem. With more than five decades of industrial excellence, Penang has developed an increasingly comprehensive ecosystem spanning design, manufacturing, testing, equipment and supporting companies. The presence of TANAKA MEP Refinery contributes to strengthening our industrial capabilities while supporting greater resource recovery and the development of a more sustainable and circular industrial ecosystem in Penang.”
Malaysia's manufacturing sector continues to attract significant quality investments. In the first half of 2026 (1H2026) alone, the sector recorded RM51.3 billion in approved investments across 973 projects, expected to create 64,555 new jobs, underscoring the country's competitive position in high-value manufacturing. Penang, among top investment recipients, recorded RM17.3 billion in approved manufacturing investments in H12026, up 38.1% from the corresponding period last year.
YBhg. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “The establishment of this facility strengthens Malaysia’s capabilities in higher-value precious metal recovery and refining, while supporting important downstream industries including electrical and electronics and semiconductors. More importantly, the partnership demonstrates how investment can contribute to a more integrated and circular manufacturing ecosystem by recovering valuable materials and returning them to the industrial supply chain.”
“MIDA welcomes investments that deepen Malaysia’s industrial capabilities, introduce higher-value activities and create stronger linkages across the domestic supply chain. We will continue to work closely with TANAKA MEP Refinery and our partners in Penang to facilitate the implementation of this project and support its long-term growth in Malaysia,” he added.
MIDA has collaborated closely with TANAKA MEP Refinery and stakeholders throughout the project development phase and will remain engaged as implementation progresses. The Agency will facilitate connections with Malaysia's broader manufacturing ecosystem and identify opportunities for local industry participation in the supply chain.
Mr. Ong, Director of MEP Enviro Technology, said the project Phase 1 will spend RM35 million focus on the production of 4N (99.99%) high-purity gold and potassium gold cyanide (PGC), which are widely used in the electronics and semiconductor industries.
“Through this partnership, we aim to establish a more complete precious metal recycling value chain, from recovery and high-purity refining to returning valuable materials back into the manufacturing supply chain,” said Mr. Ong.
Mr. Tomoyuki Tada, Chief Operating Officer of TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd., said that upon completion, the facility is expected to become Malaysia’s first 4N precious metal refining factory, strengthening Penang’s capabilities in high-value precious metal recovery and refining while supporting the region’s electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor industries.
The establishment of the facility is expected to further strengthen Penang’s manufacturing ecosystem by adding high-purity precious metal refining capabilities that support the requirements of the E&E and semiconductor industries, while contributing to a more circular industrial value chain.
About MIDAMIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit
http://www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.
About Invest PenangInvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for the promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention), Global Business Services (GBS) Focus Group (promoting and developing digital economy), Penang Silicon Design @5km+ (establishing a unique and interconnected ecosystem for IC design and technology enterprises) and Malaysia ATE Campus in Penang (accelerating the co‑development, qualification, and scaling of Malaysian ATE solutions by enabling first-customer deployment). For more information, please visit
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About TANAKA MEP RefineryTANAKA MEP Refinery Sdn. Bhd. is a joint venture between Malaysia-based MEP Enviro Technology Sdn. Bhd. and Japan-based TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd., with a planned total investment of approximately RM70 million. The new facility will bring advanced precious metal refining capabilities to Malaysia, with the capability to produce 4N gold to internationally recognised quality standards.
