Govt to ensure locals involved in Rapid project, says Mustapa

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KOTA TINGGI: The government will ensure local residents  are involved in Petronas’ RM60 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.

He said the government and the national oil company will open a centre to train youths in the skills needed by the oil and gas industry.

“Local residents will also be involved in the construction phase of Rapid, which will take between four to five years, while local contractors and companies will benefit from the spin-off business opportunities,” he told reporters here.

He made the remarks after officially closing the Pengerang Umno division delegates meeting at Bandar Penawar attended by division chief Datuk Azalina Othman Said.

Mustapa said the centre will benefit youths especially third- and fourth-generation Felda settlers.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, he said, is a leader who is responsive to the people’s views and will give the proper consideration to the proposal to give local residents priority in the Rapid project.

Earlier in his speech, Mustapa said when fully completed in 2016, Rapid will be Asia’s largest oil refinery and petrochemical complex.

“The project is very important to the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Azalina in her speech said the Pengerang Umno division supports the project’s implementation and wants to see it achieve its objectives.

“However, we want local residents especially youths to be involved in the project and be given business and job opportunities,” she said.

Local youths in Pengerang should be given appropriate roles and training to enable them to benefit from the
large-scale project, she said, adding if the project neglects them, the opposition will take advantage of the situation. — Bernama

Azalina also urged the Johor state government and Felda, the biggest landowner in Pengerang, to consider building a new Felda township to take advantage of opportunities made available by the Rapid project.

Asked to comment, Mustapa said he supports Azalina’s proposal. — Bernama