PETALING JAYA: The commissioning of Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd’s methanol plant in Bintulu, Sarawak, will provide the impetus for Malaysia to emerge as a leading methanol producer in the Asia-Pacific.
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) said the availability of methanol in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, is expected to drive further investments and stimulate the production of other downstream products.
“Methanol is a critical raw material for the production of chemicals such as acetic acid and formaldehyde, which are essential in industries including adhesives, solvents and foams,” it said in a statement.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the establishment of Sarawak Petchem’s RM7bil methanol complex in Sarawak is a defining milestone in helping establish Malaysia as a leading methanol producer in the Asia-Pacific.
“This will not only advance Malaysia’s capabilities in the chemical industry, as envisaged by the Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030, but also drive job creation and stimulate our economy by providing opportunities to surrounding industries and small and medium enterprises.”
Mida chief executive officer Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said this milestone achievement by Sarawak Petchem is a testament to Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination for large-scale, high-impact investments.