OVERLAND ROUTE: Trans Peninsula Pipeline had been mooted about
10 years ago
KUALA LUMPUR: CHINA has given the thumbs-up for an oil pipeline
to be built across the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, an
idea that has been on the drawing block since the past decade.
Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the pipeline
plan was discussed during his meeting with Chinese President Xi
Jinping yesterday and the latter had responded positively.
"He thinks it is a good idea and will consider it. He will see
how he can support it," Dr Mahathir said after meeting Xi before
the president ended his three-day visit to Malaysia yesterday.
Dr Mahathir also pointed out that too
many ships were using the Straits of Malacca and it had become
congested. He said a pipeline in the north would bypass the
straits, which is one of the world's busiest and most strategic sea
lanes.
A pipeline has also been touted as a cheaper alternative and
shorter route for oil shipment. It would reduce the number of oil
tankers traversing the Straits of Malacca, hence lessening the
potential for accidents and pollution.
The proposal for a Trans Peninsula Pipeline had been mooted
almost 10 years ago to provide a shortcut for oil transportation
from exporting countries in the Middle East to importing East Asian
nations.
Earlier reports stated that the pipeline would stretch 300km
from Kedah on the northwestern coast to Kelantan in the northeast,
for export to East Asia, including China.
Half of the world's oil shipments now passed through the
straits.
On another matter, Dr Mahathir said he had also discussed the
need for more Chinese investments in Malaysia to balance the trade
between both countries.
"At the moment, Malaysian investment in China is bigger than
theirs over here," he said, adding that both countries could build
on the strategic partnership like what was being done on the
development of industrial parks in Qinzhou, China, and Kuantan.
Dr Mahathir said he had invited Chinese investment in the
"Rubber City" and "Automative Component City" projects that were
planned near the Malaysian-Thai border.
"We invited more Chinese investors to come here. Xi has promised
to encourage more business investments to Malaysia," he said,
adding that they were also keen on setting up an association of
Chinese and Malaysian businessmen.
On the meeting, Dr Mahathir said Xi was "very friendly and
open".
"I think there are no differences in our views with regards to
relations between both countries.
"He used the bowl and spoon analogy to define our relations...
it means that if there are any issues between us, we sit down and
talk and not break relations."
In Sepang, Xi, wife Peng Liyuan and the Chinese delegation
departed for Bali at 2pm for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
leaders summit.
Present to see him off were Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri
Anifah Aman and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
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Former prime minister Tun Dr
Mahathir Mohamad with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kuala Lumpur
yesterday. Pic by Sairien Nafis
