Lack of gas hampers investments

Eight Malaysian companies are holding back investments of between RM5 billion (US$1.4 billion) and RM8 billion (US$2.24 billion) because they cannot secure gas supply from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), said International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. At the moment, the bulk of the gas produced by Petronas goes to the power plants. To overcome the problem, Muhyiddin said the cabinet asked Petronas for proposals on resolving the issue. Muhyiddin also said the government was constantly looking into the issue of industries not having enough supply of gas. (January 13, 2009)