International space port in Pahang expected to be completed in 3 to 5 years
He said the facility, which will be the first international rocket launch site in Southeast Asia, is expected to create 2,350 job opportunities and generate economic spillover effects, particularly in the tourism and research sectors.
'I was informed that one of the optimal locations for development is along the Equator on the east coast, especially Pahang, and Sabah,' he said during the State Legislative Assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Chan Chun Kuang (PH-Semambu) on the expected completion timeline and the job creation potential for the project.
Mohamad Nizar said the Pahang State Development Corporation (PKNP) signed a Letter of Intent with China Great Wall Industry Corporation and Lestari Angkasa Sdn Bhd on April 15 to establish strategic cooperation in the development of the space technology sector in Malaysia.
'PKNP and Lestari Angkasa Sdn Bhd will also conduct a working visit to Wenchang Space City in Hainan, China, in May as part of a feasibility study and planning phase for the International Space Port project in Pahang,' he said in response to Chan's question on the current status of the project.
Meanwhile, he said the state government is currently evaluating two proposals to develop an Aerospace City, covering the areas of Gebeng, Kuantan and Pekan.
In December 2023, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang was reported as saying that Pahang and Sabah are among the states shortlisted as potential sites for the rocket launch facility.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia Techlympics draws 1.4 million annual participants since 2022
KUALA TERENGGANU: The Malaysia Techlympics programme has consistently attracted nearly 1.4 million participants each year since its inception in 2022. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohamad Yusof Apdal revealed participation figures of 1.03 million in 2022, 1.82 million in 2023 and 1.31 million so far in 2024. The hybrid format combining physical and online events since June has expanded accessibility across the country. Mohamad Yusof said this approach supports broader community involvement in advancing Malaysia's science, technology and innovation goals. He spoke during the East Coast Zone Malaysia Techlympics 2025 launch at Terengganu Science and Creativity Centre. The programme aligns with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Action Plan 2021-2030's emphasis on inclusive STI awareness. Malaysia Techlympics competitions cover emerging technologies like AI, IoT, drones, coding and robotics for participants aged seven to 30. The ongoing East Coast Zone event has drawn over 2,000 participants from 120 schools across Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang. Mohamad Yusof highlighted the programme's rural outreach ensuring STEM education access for underserved communities. More than 1,500 students and 1,000 teachers from East Coast states have participated in training sessions, including virtual and physical Training of Trainers programmes. The initiative demonstrates Malaysia's commitment to developing future-ready talent through inclusive technology education. – Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
18 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Petronas future-proofs upstream portfolio with global push
Petronas executive vice-president and CEO of upstream, Jukris Abdul Wahab, said Malaysia will always be the company's core investment base. KUALA LUMPUR : Petronas aims to increase the share of revenue from its international upstream operations from 40% to over 60% within the next decade, says the firm's executive vice-president and CEO of upstream Jukris Abdul Wahab. 'This is not about pulling back from Malaysia. It will always be our core investment base. But we want a balanced and resilient portfolio that can withstand changes in the global energy landscape. 'The aspiration is to expand our international business from what we have today,' he told an editors' briefing yesterday. He said the expansion would focus on the company's 'heartland' markets, which include Suriname, Turkmenistan, Abu Dhabi and Vietnam, as well as unconventional oil and gas resources that can be quickly scaled up or down. While Malaysia remained a key investment destination, Jukris said a broader international spread would help the company adapt to different market and regulatory environments. 'We still see a lot of prospectivity in Malaysia. New geological plays are opening up, and we are attracting interest from major players,' he said. At the briefing, Jukris also said that Petronas was exploring more liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Canada, where it holds about 50 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. This follows the first shipment from its LNG Canada Phase One venture in July. The company is also reviewing its upstream portfolio to ensure that assets meet set criteria for cost, emissions and value, he said, adding that it was prepared to take on more calculated risks to drive down costs. 'Portfolio reviews are common in this industry. The aim is to make sure our assets remain competitive and deliver long-term value. 'We can't expect zero risk in our operations. We have to be comfortable taking a little bit of risk,' he said. He said some technical standards used over the years came with added costs, and that the company was considering adopting 'fit-for-purpose' standards without compromising safety. However, he said that partnerships would remain important for sharing capital requirements and access to technology. 'You can't operate alone in this industry. The best value often comes when partners bring different operating philosophies, technology and market access,' he said.
The Sun
20 hours ago
- The Sun
'Every day, 1,500 pieces are sold out!' - RM50 roti canai sells out at Osaka Expo
A piece of roti canai priced at RM50 may send Malaysians into shock — but at the Malaysia Pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka, this fluffy dish has got the Japanese queuing for up to two hours for a taste! According to a Facebook post by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, visitors have been queuing for up to two hours to get a taste of the Malaysian flatbread, with 1,500 pieces sold out every single day — bringing in around RM75,000 in daily sales. 'Every day, 1,500 pieces are sold out! This is proof that Malaysian dishes are in high demand and have found a place in the hearts of the international community. 'Congratulations to the Malaysia Pavilion culinary team for consistently showcasing the taste of Malaysia on the world stage. Your efforts are truly appreciated!' Malaysian netizens took to the comments to express shock at the price while many were delighted to know the dish was well-appreciated overseas. 'RM50 is outrageous,' commented a netizen. 'Wow in a day, can get RM75,000 in sales,' said another. However, many defended the price, noting Japan's dining culture. 'In Japan, this price is on par with a premium or specialty meal,' one user said. Some even joked about new business opportunities: 'Okay, let's open a roti canai stall in Tokyo,' wrote one commenter.
