RM3 billion project off Pulau Daat likely to shift to Kurahman Island

The RM3 billion petroleum integrated project under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) off Pulau Daat here is likely to be shifted to Pulau Kurahman due to the unexpected depths of the ocean floor circumstances. However, the proposed project will not be similar in terms of costing, scope of development and its roles. Minister of Federal Territories Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said although he had yet to get the latest development on the high-profile project, Kurahman Island was another alternative spot to be considered. This is an effort to ensuring the oil and gas (O&G) sector in Labuan continues to move forward. So, Pulau Kurahman is being considered for an oil refinery plant project, he told reporters at a moreh programme with the media fraternity here last night. The Pulau Daat project, jointly undertaken by Sabah-based RG Gas and Chemicals and China-owned Zhuhai Winbase International Chemical Tank Terminal Co Ltd, is said to create some 3,000 jobs for the locals during the construction phase. Several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) had been signed last year including with Sarawak-based O&G company, Suria Offshore Hub Sdn Bhd and Borneo Oil and Gas Venture Sdn Bhd. The MOUs were for the construction of a tank farm terminal, among others. RG Gas and Chemical Managing Director Jimmy Tang had told Bernama the completion of the project would see the building of the largest oil tank storage in the region. RG Gas & Chemical received approval from the Labuan Corporation to convert Pulau Daat into an industrial zone for an integrated O&G hub. "This project will no doubt enhance the position of Labuan and Sabah as one of the leading O&G hubs in the country and ultimately, the region as well." This hub will provide land-based logistics and support services such as tank farms, oil terminals, container yards, fabrication yards as well as complementing marine support logistics in Labuan.