Petronas urea plant should be in Kimanis

There are two issues that the State Government and the people of Sabah must confront Petronas.

One, the issue of ron-participation of Sabah contiactors at Kimanis SOGT.

Two, the proposed establishment of an urea plant at Sipitang.

The issue of Sabah contractors, particularly Bumiputeras not given any works by Petronas speaks for itself. Everything is from West Malaysia.


Even then, if contractors are given, they will be given through “negotiated contract". This will surely only benefit those with high and strong influence. "Habis Cerita".

The issue establishment of urea plant at Sipitang will raise doubt on matters such as:

1. Sipitang has a shallow sea frontage. It requires dredging work to be carried out off the coast at least 3 to 5 km to accommodate berthing of 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes of ships;

2. During contract work, the work force definitely will come from outside Sabah; and II) after completion (when the plant is in operation) again mostly non Sabahans will be employed;

3. Is the urea meant for Sabah only or for export?

The State Government should relocate the urea plant to Kimanis instead of Sipitang. At the same time, ask Petronas to allocate RM500 million for the agricultural development of Sipitang under its community responsibility. With RM500 million and with properly planned agricultural develop ment, 50pc of Sipitang would be fully and permanently developed. This will turn Sipitang's idle lands into productive lands and create at least 5,000 jobs compared with number of employment provided by the urea plant.

After all, Sipitang was designated as an Agricultural Corridor some years ago. So far there is no corridor development at all.

It is not too late for both the State Government and Petronas to consider moving the urea plant to Kimanis and contribute RM500 million for the agricultural development to Sipitang district.

By A. Pengiran, Sipitang (Forum Daily Express)