By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 22: State-owned PETROS has begun producing about 800 barrels of oil a day from the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field near Miri, marking Sarawak’s return to onshore oil production after a 50-year hiatus and paving the way for the State’s downstream oil and gas ambitions.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the milestone during the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang in Sibu tonight, describing it as a “gift” to the people of Sarawak.
“PETROS had begun producing about 800 barrels of oil per day from the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field earlier this week, equivalent to approximately 24,000 barrels a month.
“With this new and historic production, after 50 years since the last onshore production, Sarawak is now on the right track to go downstream, particularly in the production of ammonia and blue hydrogen,” he said.
Abang Johari said the achievement showcases the engineering capability of Sarawakians and reinforces the State’s readiness to play a bigger role in the oil and gas industry, including the development of methane gas derivatives.
“This is a major achievement for Sarawak. This is the greatest gift as we celebrate Sarawak Day this year.
“PETROS has informed me that this is only one well. There are more wells to come. This means Sarawak will play an even bigger role in the oil and gas industry. Insya-Allah, we will be there for the future,” he added.
The Premier said the milestone reflects Sarawak’s strategy of creating greater value from its natural resources by processing them within the State instead of exporting them in raw form.
He said the State aims to use its oil and gas resources to expand downstream industries, create high-skilled jobs and generate more business opportunities for Sarawakians.
“Today, our approach is different. We want every resource owned by Sarawak to be processed, developed and given added value here in the State so that this wealth creates more industries, high-skilled jobs and business opportunities for our people,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the Sarawak Gas Roadmap would support this shift by developing industries such as petrochemicals, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, fertilisers and speciality chemicals.
“This is the transformation we want—from an economy that exports raw resources to one that produces high-technology products for the global market,” he said. — DayakDaily
