PORT DICKSON: Both the public and private sectors must work hard to ensure the national productivity graph far exceeds the business operations cost graph, said Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Utama Mohamad Hassan.
He said the graph was crucial as it was a vital indicator used by potential foreign investors to benchmark the country’s investment potential.
“Of late, business operating costs has gone up notably and if this is not streamlined or balanced with productivity, I fear, one day, we will not have that competitive edge to draw investors to our shores,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony for Shell Malaysia’s diesel plant here yesterday.
Mohamad said Shell’s investment in the new plant would result in good returns for its shareholders, especially from overseas, and build investors’ confidence in the country.
He added that Shell’s first diesel plant was in tandem with the government’s aspiration to enhance the services sector and hoped this would be emulated by other companies.
Shell Malaysia is building a RM810 million diesel processing plant as part of its expansionary programme to diversify its crude oil-based products. — Bernama