Sarawak Premier urges acceleration of oil and gas exploration, highlighting potential sour gas reserves in Western Sarawak

Abang Johari (centre in white), Juma'ani (first left, front), Dr Sim (first left, behind), Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, and others posing for a photo when met by reporters after the Shell Malaysia Raya Open House at Hilton on April 12, 2024.
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KUCHING, April 12: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has emphasised the importance of Shell and other stakeholders ramping up their offshore oil and gas exploration initiatives and studies.

Abang Johari made this statement following the potential of abundant gas reserves that may extend to the waters west of the State, listing the major players such as Shell, PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), Mubadala, as well as the State’s very own Petros, who will play a major role in developing the region.

In September 2022, Sarawak Shell Berhad (SSB) and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd jointly decided to develop the Rosmari-Marjoram gas project, with Rosmari and Marjoram being deepwater sour gas fields that were discovered in 2014, located 220km off the coast of Bintulu.

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The Rosmari-Marjoram gas project is designed to produce 800 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscf/d), with production expected to start in 2026.

With the abundance of sour gas reserves in the State, he also aims to boost both the downstream and upstream activities in oil and gas in the region, particularly benefitting Miri with the current Shell headquarters (HQ) located there.

“Shell has expanded in Sarawak, with its HQ located in Miri and the staff having moved there. This means that (activities in) Miri will be back to what it was like before,” said Abang Johari when met by reporters during the Shell Malaysia Raya Open House at Hilton today.

He also expressed optimism about the Balingian project that demonstrates promising prospects while making a play on words: ‘gas masam jadi manis’ (sour gas becomes sweet).

Also present at the Shell Malaysia Raya Open House were Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Abang Johari’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and other notable attendees. — DayakDaily

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