German label, Malaysian labour

BADISCHE ANILIN-UND Soda-Fabrik might sound unfamiliar. But mention BASF and the German multinational chemical company is far from being unknown in Malaysia. With world-wide operations extending from oil and gas to high- tech chemical products, BASF has RM2.73 billion worth of investments in Malaysia (see table), and is looking at Malaysia for the long-term. In selecting Malaysia as a chemical site for BASF and a hub to serve the Asean region, BASF is in the midst of negotiating with Petronas to set up an integrated chemical site in Kuantan, Pahang. The site will be a 40:60 joint venture between the national oil corporation and BASF. To be located at the Gebeng Industrial Estate and…