By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Dec 3: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) is spearheading the rejuvenation of onshore hydrocarbons in Sarawak by combining modern exploration technologies with strategic international partnerships to unlock new energy resources and deliver long-term value to the state and its people.
This includes a new collaboration with the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security, which Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said will strengthen PETROS’ ongoing efforts to intensify exploration across several onshore zones.
He said PETROS is accelerating work in the Mukah–Balingian area, while pilot activities in Miri and survey operations from Limbang to Mukah are utilising advanced imaging technologies to build a clearer, data-driven understanding of Sarawak’s onshore potential.
“These efforts aim to unlock new onshore resources in a careful, data-driven way, ensuring that any development brings long-term value to Sarawak and our people,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
Beyond exploration, Abang Johari said PETROS is also advancing key infrastructure to support Sarawak’s industrial growth.
In Samalaju, the Bintulu–Samalaju gas pipeline and distribution network are progressing steadily, forming a critical energy backbone that will ensure competitive, reliable supply for investors and support the development of a higher-value industrial base.
“In Kuching, PETROS is pioneering Sarawak’s low-carbon future through the development of the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub together with global anchor partners,” he added.
He noted that foundational work for a green industrial cluster has already been laid, supporting cleaner gas-fired power, low-carbon industries and future carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) facilities, alongside new energy, transport and port infrastructure.
Abang Johari stressed that every milestone achieved by PETROS reinforces investor confidence in Sarawak’s vision, governance and long-term economic strategy.
As the sole Gas Aggregator, he said PETROS ensures all gas produced is channelled into local industries, enabling the State to reinvest revenues into critical infrastructure and build a resilient, future-ready economy.
“We must be clear: we cannot afford to simply export our natural gas and wake up in 50 years with depleted resources and no industrial base,” he cautioned, adding that Sarawak will continue balancing exports with domestic industrial development.
“We are not waiting for the future, we are creating it and positioning Sarawak as a leader in low-carbon industrialisation in our region,” he said.
He also highlighted that the Bintulu Transitioning Industrial Cluster, strengthened by these initiatives, has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as Malaysia’s first such cluster and one of only 38 worldwide.
— DayakDaily
