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KUCHING, Sept 21: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has highlighted the economic opportunities associated with sour gas extraction, comparing it to the unique langsat fruit, known for its sweet and sour taste.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 1 of the Sarawak Integrated Sour Gas Evacuation System (SISGES) sour gas hub in Bintulu, Abang Johari discussed the potential of sour gas as a valuable resource for Sarawak’s economy.
Abang Johari explained that sour gas contains both sweet and sour components, with the sour portion historically left unused due to its undesirable elements, including sulfur, mercury, and carbon monoxide.
“Now with new technology, it can separate the dirty components, turning sour to sweet gas.
“With these, we develop the gas that will become raw materials to produce chemical products which will enable us to continue efforts to elevate Sarawak’s economy,” he said at the ceremony in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu.
Abang Johari emphasised that sour gas development was once considered financially unviable due to the high costs involved, but recent technological advancements have made it a feasible option.
The development of the SISGES sour gas hub, a multi-billion-dollar investment within the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation’s (SEDC) Petrochemical Industrial Park (PIP) in Tanjung Kidurong, is aligned with Sarawak’s economic ambitions.
Abang Johari noted that Shell, a key player in the project, brings invaluable technical expertise and best practices in sour gas production and processing, derived from its global experience.
Through the Rosmari-Marjoram project, Shell aims to foster local expertise in the safe production and processing of sour gas.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development (M-Ficord) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. — DayakDaily
