By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 23: Sarawak is intensifying efforts to add value to its gas resources through collaboration and sharing of expertise and technology with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), as it moves to strengthen its downstream gas development strategy.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak Gas Roadmap is aimed at ensuring Sarawak fully benefits from its abundant gas reserves through value-added industries, rather than remaining a supplier of raw resources.
“We cannot just stand by and watch. We want to work together with PETRONAS to add value to the gas found in Sarawak. We are not taking everything, but we are sharing because this resource comes from Sarawak,” he said when speaking during the Bintulu Division-level Sarawakku Sayang Programme broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook today.
Abang Johari further said Sarawak has already made progress in downstream development, particularly in methanol production, which has become one of the State’s key gas-based industries.
“If PETRONAS produces LNG, our company produces methanol, and today we have exported one million metric tonnes of methanol produced in Sarawak,” he said.
He added that the State is also exploring other gas-based products such as ammonia and fertilisers to further expand its industrial base.
The Premier also highlighted the geological continuity of gas deposits across Borneo, stretching from Kimanis in Sabah through Brunei, Baram, Balingian, Mukah, Bintulu and into western Sarawak including Lundu.
He said this natural formation supports a more coordinated and knowledge-driven approach to gas development, including sharing of expertise and technology among stakeholders.
“We also have the brains to conduct studies. That is why our position is that we want to share,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is already involved in developing its own technical capabilities, with Sarawakian engineers managing methanol production and exploring new technologies in the sector.
He also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim for agreeing to a joint declaration between the federal government and Sarawak on cooperation in the gas sector.
“With the new approach, Sarawak plans to further strengthen its gas infrastructure, including proposals for a pipeline network from Kuching to northern Sarawak to support wider industrial development.
“We cannot be bystanders because we have the knowledge. Those managing methanol are Sarawakians themselves, and we are able to find and explore new technology,” he emphasised.
Also present were Abang Johari’s daughter Dayang Norjihan; Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Amar Ruziah Tahir; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Dato Enn Ong; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Dato Fatimah Iskandar; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development as well as Kemena assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and wife Datin Sri Loretta Rundi; Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Dato Baduyah Bujang. — DayakDaily
