By Ashley Sim and Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, May 9: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has invited the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Sarawak Branch to work with the Sarawak government to provide surveying manpower and explore new areas such as the State’s continental shelf.
Abang Johari mentioned that surveying the State’s continental shelf is something new.
“I’ve asked whether we have enough staff to survey the continental shelf. Because this is something new. You must examine the hydrocarbon content of our continental shelf, which is being used to store carbon.
“And if that happens, I can tell you that as far as the information that I have at the moment, Sarawak is one of the first to do carbon storage in this region,” he said during his speech at the RISM Sarawak 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held tonight at the Borneo Centre Convention Kuching here.
The Premier continued: “Due to our significant hydrocarbon potential, we have decided to venture into the sour gas area.
“Our goal is to convert the sour gas into sweet gas by extracting carbon dioxide and injecting it back into the earth.
“In other words, as I said, you have to explore the ‘laut’ (sea) lah.”
RISM Sarawak Branch, founded in 1974, is a professional body that represents a variety of surveying professions in Sarawak, including geomatics and land surveyors, quantity surveyors, building surveyors, and property valuers.
The Premier also unveiled the Kuching KM Zero (KM0) monument during the RISM Sarawak Branch’s 50th anniversary celebration tonight.
The proposed new monument resembles two cats standing on their hind legs lifting the KM0 disc.
The purpose of the KM0 monument is to highlight the important role of the land surveying profession in measuring distances, while also adding to the tourist attractions in the City of Kuching.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Federal Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, RISM president Adzman Shan Mohd Ariffin, RISM Sarawak Branch chairman Sharlene Toh Shiow Lin, and organising chairman Kenneth Wong Cheng Ai. — DayakDaily
