GPLM to start work on complex by year-end

Qatar-based Gulf Petroleum (M) Sdn Bhd (GPLM) hopes to begin construction on its proposed multi-billion ringgit oil and gas complex by year-end after finalizing negotiations with a landowner for the proposed project site, the company said. It said the construction work would be subject to getting the necessary approvals on environmental and social impact assessment from the relevant authorities in Malaysia. It did not say if the proposed location was still the original site in Manjung, Perak. GPLM Chairman Omar Zuhair Hafiz said it had made significant progress since getting approval from the Malaysian government last year. A memorandum of agreement with consortium members is expected to be executed by the end of this month or early November, he said. (October 14, 2009)