KUANTAN: The construction of a RM350 million spent catalyst recycling facility at the Gebeng Industrial Park here marks a significant step in managing metal-based scheduled waste.
State investment, industries, science, technology, and innovation committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib said that the facility, spearheaded by Taiyo Koko Co., Ltd., would be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.
"This land in Gebeng will soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art metal recovery centre. The project, owned by Taiyo Koko, has Toyo Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd appointed as the main contractor," he said.
Once operational in 2027, the facility will treat spent catalysts — waste produced from the cracking of petroleum at oil refineries in Pengerang, Johor.
These materials will be recycled and exported to Japan for reuse in the petrochemical and steel industries.
"Twelve years in the spent catalysts recycling industry, Taiyo Koko has commercialised proprietary technology for recovering rare metals from spent catalysts for about 50 years," he said at a press conference after the ground breaking ceremony here today.
Also present was Taiyo Koko Co., Ltd. president Kazufumi Suzuki.
Nizar said that the facility would open new doors for job creation, economic growth, and the recruitment of fresh talents from across Pahang.
"Foreign direct investment will create opportunities for local vendors and suppliers to be part of the operations. The Pahang government welcomes Japan's investment and hopes it will attract more investors from the country to set up plants or businesses here," he said.
"The recycling of spent catalysts not only promotes sustainability and reduces harmful emissions but also recovers valuable metals for reuse," he added.
Suzuki described the establishment of the facility in Gebeng as Taiyo Koko's first overseas expansion, marking a significant milestone in advancing environmental sustainability.
He said that the collaboration reflected Toyo-Malaysia's commitment to innovation and its vision of contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.