By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 22: Sarawak’s first hydrogen plant is set to be established next year at Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu where a mega methanol plant is steadily taking shape as well as a soon-to-be built medical hub and another plant for the petroleum sector.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in revealing this, emphasised that these massive industrial development projects coming into Bintulu will contribute to Sarawak’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by at least about six to seven per cent, beyond 2030.
“After the methanol plant, a hydrogen plant will be set up. There is also another investment coming in for the oil and gas sector to set up a plant, along with a medical hub.
“The implementation of these developments will take place between now until 2027 and thereafter, there are proposals for other petrochemicals (developments) to come in.
“As such, my visit here to the petrochemical hub is to check all the areas in which planning will take place and to come up with detailed planning, especially in the aspects of land matter, facilities for workers and more comfortable roads for the development of these infrastructures and all comers.
“Tonight, I will also announce plans for the implementation of public transport between Tanjung Kidurong and Bintulu,” he told reporters after visiting the Petchem Methanol Plant in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu today.
With more prospects knocking on Sarawak’s door, Abang Johari pointed out that the Sarawak government remained committed to meeting their needs with several proposals for new investors eager to start their operations in Bintulu.
As for the medical hub, he was referring to the Sarawak Medical Innovation and Technology Hub (Smith), a joint project by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Arrow Medsource Group (AMG) from North America, for which a ground-breaking ceremony was held on March 8.
Smith is the seed of innovation towards the State becoming a revolutionary healthcare hub, starting with the manufacturing of medical products and equipment.
“The project is now in the first phase (of development) which involves a cost of about RM200 million. Thereafter, the second phase will be implemented with investment estimated at RM800 million,” Abang Johari explained.
With major expansion expected in line with industrial development in Bintulu, Abang Johari was optimistic that it will create 15,000 job opportunities by 2026.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd was incorporated on June 7, 2017 to undertake the development and operation of Sarawak’s first methanol plant in Bintulu, which is also home to various oil and gas-related industries.
The 120-acre mega methanol production facility is expected to have a production capacity of about 1.7 million tonnes per annum, and will receive 160 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas feedstock from Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).
Project director Mohammad Ibrahim said that the methanol project plays a significant role and will be a catalyst in transforming Sarawak into a petrochemical hub in the region in tandem with Sarawak’s Economic Transformation Agenda in oil and gas downstream activities. — DayakDaily
