By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Feb 16: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that the regional government intends to construct a port in Lawas, where a petrochemical complex is proposed to be built.
Abang Johari stated this during a press conference following his work visit to the Miri Port Authority (MPA) today in Kuala Baram.
“We have planned to build a port in Lawas because there is a proposed investment for the construction of a petrochemical complex in Lawas.
“Meaning Miri’s port area will be located offshore of Miri, in addition to Brunei bay facing Lawas,” he said.
He continued by saying that Miri Port’s revenue would undoubtedly rise.
“Hopefully they make money and pay dividends to the government,” he quipped.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also spoke about the Miri Gas Hub initiative, in which Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) will construct a RM2 billion 400MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) powerplant in Miri.
“In other words, the supply of power in Miri will be enhanced, with Petros as the supplier of gas as well as working with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB). Meaning this is the prerequisite for investors to come to Sarawak.
“And the gas is one of the pipelines that will eventually connect to the northern part including Limbang and Lawas, then connect to the other hub which is in Bintulu, and eventually in the next 10 years also in Kuching.
“In other words, it’s called the Sarawak Gas Road Plan masterplan, and that will provide energy to industries located in Sarawak,” he explained.
Among others present at the press conference were Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. — DayakDaily
