By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Oct 21: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has identified nine promising areas for onshore exploration, with plans to drill 10 exploratory wells covering Balingian, Limbang-Lawas, Marudi and Niah, involving an estimated investment of RM500 million.
Sarawak Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said Miri, Samalaju, Bintulu and Kuching had been identified as key development hubs under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap to expand gas utilisation, strengthen energy security and promote downstream industries.
Awang Tengah said downstream development was also progressing, with Sarawak Petchem having exported more than 180 cargoes of methanol, strengthening Sarawak’s presence in the global petrochemical market.
“Looking ahead, proposed low-carbon methanol, ammonia and urea projects will further expand our downstream industries and support the transition towards lower-carbon industrial development,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
He said these developments would strengthen Sarawak’s integrated oil and gas value chain, from exploration and production to gas processing and downstream manufacturing.
He added that the developments would also attract investments, create skilled jobs and open up more opportunities for Sarawakian companies in engineering, fabrication, maintenance, logistics and specialised services.
“Our priority is to maximise the economic value of Sarawak’s oil and gas resources while ensuring greater local industry participation, technology transfer and long-term benefits for our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said Petros and PETRA Energy had obtained first oil at Adong Kechil West in 2026, marking the revival of onshore petroleum production after nearly 50 years.
Petros and Norway’s Höegh Evi have also announced the proposed Kuching liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, which is targeting first gas by the end of 2029. — DayakDaily
