'Pengerang Rapid risks becoming a white elephant'
PKR is concerned that the proposed RM60 billion Pengerang Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development project (Rapid) may turn into ‘a white elephant’.
PKR is concerned that the proposed RM60 billion Pengerang Petronas Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development project (Rapid) may turn into ‘a white elephant’.
While stating that the party neither supports nor objects to the petrochemical project, PKR Commercial and Investment Bureau chief Wong Chen said Pakatan Rakyat’s concern is that the oil is meant for India and China which at present are facing a downturn.
“There could be a risk to the project which is scheduled to be operational in 2016 as it could be considered as a white elephant due to the downturn happening in India and China,” he said, adding that the RM60 billion project requires further evaluation before it commences.
“It needs further study rather than deciding on the basic economic considerations. The project need to be evaluated as a whole based on its merit to the economy, its benefits, social and environmental implications.
He also proposed that should the authorities decide to continue on with the project, it should be done on a reduced scale - from producing 300,000 barrels to 150,000 barrels a day.
Wong said if Pakatan decides not to continue with the project, the RM60 billion saved from it could be used to build vocational schools which would help provide the country with the technical expertise to attract investments.
He said that should the government decide to continue, then it could possibly be moved from Pengerang, Johor, to Kertih, Terengganu
“PKR will consider moving its location from Pengerang to Kertih as there is at present such a facility,” he said, adding there are facilities and ample land at the Kuantan port to support such activities.
“Kertih is chosen as there will be no negative implication to society as there is no need to move any of the community nor is there a need for the acquisition of land to be done,” he said, adding that the Pengerang residents should be given more time to voice their dissenting views before a decision is made on the project next June.
