WHILE the upcoming downstream facility is expected to be the next boost for local employment, it is the spin-off industries that will eventually generate far more jobs and wealth in the private sector.
According to a recent report by Oxford Business Group (OBG), the petrochemicals complex which will be developed at the Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) by the Mitsui Consortium of Japan is expected to create around 500 new positions directly, and an additional 1500 indirect jobs.
“Though a rough guide, for every position that the petrochemicals complex will create, three more will be generated to support the development,” said the report. Some of the service tenders that was recently opened by the Sungai Liang Authority includes a range of contracts that the OBG said will benefit several segments of the economy. Among the chemicals to be produced includes, ammonia, urea, diammonium phosphate, and ammonium sulphate, which are all basic ingredients used in the production of fertilisers, textiles and plastics.
“Currently on offer are contracts for the maintenance and servicing of air conditioning units; the supply of furniture, office fittings and fixtures; and the provision of fire fighting and hazardous materials and safety equipment,” stated the report, on the $2.8 billion project.
