16/8/06 (NSTP) PASIR GUDANG: Malaysia has the potential to become a frontline researcher in biodiesel products with the setting up of a biofuel hub in Tanjung Langsat.

That was why the Government was pushing hard to develop the industry, said the Prime Minister.

"We are blessed with an abundance of natural resources like crude oil and palm oil.

"It will be a waste not to fully utilise this advantage," said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when opening the Tanjung Langsat Port here.



He also said it was very lucky for Johor to have the Tanjung Langsat Port, the third in the State after the Pasir Gudang and Tanjung Pelepas Port.

The biofuel hub, comprising the Tanjung Langsat Port and a 480ha biofuel park, was set up to cater to the fast growing palm oil- based sector.

Abdullah said it was heartening to note that international players were showing keen interest in setting up refinery plants in the biofuel park.

With its strategic location, vast land, abundant skilled labour and convenient logistics via the Tanjung Langsat Port, the biofuel hub would definitely boost the development of nearby townships, said Abdullah.

"However, it is important for us to speed up our steps for future development.

"Plan ahead and start executing the policy now because if we are slow, we would be left behind".

Abdullah said that the plant by Carotino Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the J.C. Chang Group, was a testimony of the spirit of "Malaysia Boleh".

"This is one of the many examples of Malaysia making the transition to become a competitive knowledge-based economy," he said.

Carotino is the first company in the world to successfully commercialise the technology for the production of palm biodiesel.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board is a strategic partner in the project.