By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 9: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said natural gas presence has been proven up to Balingian, while geological formations suggest the potential resource area extends further towards the western part of Sarawak.
Speaking during a press conference after officiating at the opening ceremony of Batang Lupar Bridge 1 today, Abang Johari said previous understanding of Sarawak’s gas resources had expanded through geological studies.
“Now, it is proven up to Balingian. But if the geology goes up to Balingian, previously how did we know Balingian had gas?
“The geology extends to the western part of Sarawak. It continues from here towards Natuna. Lundu is near Natuna, Indonesia, and part of Natuna belongs to Malaysia,” he said. An audio recording of his remarks was later shared with DayakDaily.
He said geological formations beneath the earth could stretch across wider areas, which was why Sarawak was looking into using satellite technology to better understand underground resources.
“Because underneath the earth, that is how it is. That is why we want to have satellites, to see what is underneath,” he added.
On whether Sarawak-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and national oil company Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) were working together on gas matters, Abang Johari said discussions between both parties were ongoing.
“It is between PETROS and PETRONAS, they are discussing. Both should benefit, but do not let one party take everything,” he said.
In previous reports, Abang Johari has highlighted the geological continuity of gas formations across Borneo, stretching from Kimanis in Sabah through Brunei Bay into Sarawak, including areas such as Baram, Mukah and Balingian. He has also pointed to potential geological extensions towards western Sarawak, including Lundu. — DayakDaily
