By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Sept 16: A second methanol plant in Sarawak may follow after the first plant’s expected completion in early 2024, should negotiations between Petchem and the contractor are successful.
This was disclosed by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg when he delivered his speech during the State-level Malaysia Day celebration at Bintulu old airport tonight.
He also said the construction of Sarawak’s first methanol plant at Tanjung Kidurong is currently on track and at 66 per cent completion.
This will be the State’s first step towards developing the downstream industry of oil and gas to add value to its abundant resources, he added.
“We are not content with merely exporting raw materials, and often much to our loss, the process of adding value to our resources has always been done elsewhere outside Sarawak.
“This is why our average household income is below the national average despite being rich in resources because of the limited existence of value chain to generate the economy,” said Abang Johari.
He said Sarawak cannot depend heavily on the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for revenue generation and therefore, necessary steps to ensure value-added resources must be taken so that it can achieve a high-income status by 2030. — DayakDaily
