KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is considering the use of recycled plastic materials to replace asphalt roads.
State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Arifin Mohd Arif said the use of plastic was an innovation from Petronas and the state was interested to test it.
In addition, he said the state planned to launch a virtual pipeline system to speed up delivery to customers.
"These initiatives were signed in a memorandum of understanding between the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and Petronas," said Arifin after the Petronas Aidilfitri open house at a hotel here.
Arifin had also visited the Petronas Research centre in Bangi, which has over 400 scientists conducting research and development.
"I have asked some of the scientists to be sent to Sabah, especially to the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry."
He also plans to visit Sabah students in the peninsula next month to gather feedback on issues they face, including expensive airfares.
Earlier, state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, on behalf of the chief minister, presented sponsorships to 40 secondary students to pursue their studies in the peninsula.
The sponsorship programme came from Petronas subsidiary, Petronas Floating LNG (PFLNG), and is carried out in collaboration with Yayasan Sabah Group and state Education Department.
The initiative aims to nurture the students' potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and harness their interest in technical and engineering disciplines.
PFLNG chief executive officer Azrul Roshazli said despite the volatile global environment, investing in the nation's talent remained one of Petronas' priorities.
"We believe that education is the key to empowering our communities in improving their lives. We hope the programme will help students realise their potential and work towards achieving their career aspirations," he said.
Also present was Petronas senior vice-president of project delivery and technology, Datuk Bacho Pilong.