By Karen Bong
KUCHIING, Nov 14: Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi has proposed the implementation of an oil and gas landing project at Mateding, following the discovery of oil and gas in the shallow waters off Balingian.
Abdul Yakub referred to the new discovery by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) at the Sirung-1 wildcat exploration well in Block SK405B of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) on March 30, 2021.
“The Mateding Industrial Zone is the most strategic location proposed for the establishment of this project.
“The landing of oil and gas resources will create numerous new job opportunities for the people and industry players in the Mukah division as a whole,” he said when participating in the Sarawak Budget 2025 debate in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Sitting here today.
Abdul Yakub also inquired about the timeline for realising the development of the Mateding Satellite City.
He highlighted that this planned urban development project, part of the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) initiative, is managed by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda).
“This satellite city, located in the Mukah Division, is designed to support the growing economic and industrial activities in the region by providing residential, commercial, and community facilities,” he explained.
Additionally, Abdul Yakub called for the elevation of the sub-district to a full district, noting that Balingian, with an area of 3,025 square kilometres, has existed even before the formation of Malaysia. — DayakDaily
