The Beginning

Sawit Kinabalu Berhad was formed when the State Government of Sabah, in its continuing efforts to encourage the people of Sabah to assume a more responsible role in the growth of the State, decided to corporatise the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB). The State Government believed that this will bring about greater efficiency and effectiveness, thereby optimising profitability and contributing directly to the economic growth of the nation.

The Birth of Sawit Kinabalu Berhad On 26 November 1996

Signing of Corporatisation Agreement between Sabah Government, SLDB, Sawit Kinabalu Berhad and Borneo Samudera Sdn. Bhd. (BSSB) marked the birth of Sawit Kinabalu Berhad and its Group of Companies.
Signing of Management Agreement between BSSB the main operating company owned by Sawit Kinabalu Berhad and SLDB to manage the operation and investment assets of residual SLDB. However, the Management Agreement expired on 31st September 2002.

After the corporatisation exercise, Sawit Kinabalu Berhad and SLDB are separated into two different entities.

Sawit Kinabalu Berhad is an investment holding company owned by Chief Minister Incorporated while SLDB remains as a government agency.