In the ‘industrialisation mood’

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HUMAN CAPITAL CENTRE: Photo shows the Petronas-operated Kimanis Petroleum Training Centre building in Membakut, Sabah. Petronas, the national oil corporation, has been forging ahead with upstream and downstream O&G projects involving a combined capital investment of RM45 billion, comprising the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal, Kimanis Gas Fired Ammonia Power Plant and Urea Plant Project in Sipitang. — Bernama photo

PAPAR: Buoyed by Petronas’ huge investments in Sabah, thousands of people living in and around the Papar-Kimanis-Beaufort-Sipitang stretch are poised to enjoy economic spinoffs from Petronas’ projects.

As such, landowners particularly along the stretch, are advised to convert their native titles to commercial land or industrial lots ‘wherever possible’ in anticipation of the booming oil and gas (O&G) industry.

In making the call, Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce treasurer Roselan Johar Mohamed said the conversion would enable them to use their land titles as ‘their share of the capital’ to go into business partnership with people who ‘are doing business with Petronas’.

“This is another way to gain exposure and experience in doing business with Petronas. Gainful and meaningful employment within the Papar-Kimanis-Beaufort-Sipitang stretch is a very crucial economic index.

“Its positive propensity to purchasing power will mark an even bigger catalyst to more spinoffs, including the creation of a new generation of appreciative citizens of One Malaysia,” he told Bernama.

Petronas, the national oil corporation, has been forging ahead with upstream and downstream O&G projects involving a combined capital investment of RM45 billion, comprising the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal, Kimanis Gas Fired Ammonia Power Plant and Urea Plant Project in Sipitang.

Roselan, who is also BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Sabah Chapter) chairman, said with increased population centering in Kimanis and Sipitang, more governmental build-ups would now become necessary.

“New schools have to be built, hospitals and clinics and other amenities will have to be set up. The private sector will surely know how to find its way to secure more contracts and establish shops and other private retailing and merchandising businesses.

“I am sure all the major banks and insurance companies are now looking for positive sites to set their next branch in Kimanis and Sipitang.

“As a grateful citizen of Sabah and Malaysia, one should not change horses when the finishing line is so near,” he said.

Roselan, also a prominent figure in Sabah’s shipping industry, said the Sabah Ports would also see its revenue increasing when more ships – big and small – come a calling.

“The Marine Department and Marine Police will probably have new offices in Kimanis and Sipitang to man their authorities. The police and other security forces are also not forgotten.

“I believe, in the next 10 years, Kimanis’ population would have grown 10-fold or even more.Although nothing has been said on the tariff rate from the new source of power that has been generated, our chamber is expecting a lower tariff to be offered for Sabah to woo other industrial players,” he added.

Roselan said this was very crucial for Sabah because Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman was already in the ‘industrialisation mood’.

“In one of his speeches to the chamber, Musa said industrialisation is good for our export business. When we export, money is coming into the country. It’s good to see money coming in rather than our money going out.

“In this way, we will have a positive balance of payment and Sabah will be a respectable state,” he was quoted as saying. — Bernama