South East Asian Chemical News

MALAYSIA

The Malaysian Refining Company Sdn Bhd (MRC), a JV between Petronas, Conoco, Statoil and Chinese Petroleum Corporation, is to develop Malaysia's first lubricant base oil plant in Melaka. The proposed plant will be integrated with the existing Petronas Melaka refinery. The facility will produce high quality hydroprocessed base oils, which are a major component of automotive and industrial lubricants. The plant will be operational in 2002, with an annual capacity of 400,000 tpa. (September 29th 1998)

Kaneka Malaysia has completed construction of a MBS resin plant in Kuantan, Malaysia. The facility has a capacity of 15,000 tpa. Most of its products will be now be exported to Europe and the US, as opposed to the regional market as was originally planned. MBS resins are mainly used as PVC modifiers. (September 15th 1998)

The Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) has announced that it will increase efforts to attract Japanese and Western specialty chemical investment to Malaysia. MIDA is especially seeking mid-size manufacturers and has implemented regulations to entice foreign firms to set up production in Malaysia. The Government recently allowed 100% foreign capital investment until the end of 2000 in the chemicals sector. (September 10th 1998)

Titan Petrochemical has started construction of a diversified petrochemical complex in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia. This includes a 330,000 tpa ethylene plant, a 300,000 tpa polyethylene plant and a 100,000 polyvinyl chloride plant. Mitsui Chemicals will supply the company with high-density PE technology and Exxon will supply the low-density PE technology. This investment will make Titan the largest petrochemical company in Malaysia. (September 29th 1998)