By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 26: The return of Shell to its birthplace of Miri is solid proof of the people’s confidence in the State government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
With commitment towards a stable, inclusive, responsive, sustainable and forward-looking government, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that this will only give a boost to investors’ confidence to invest in Sarawak.
“We are not self-centred, we are not inward-looking (introverts), (but) Sarawakians are extrovert people. We are going out and we can work with anybody as long as the benefits are shared among the players.
“With today’s function marks the coming back of Shell to Miri, we (the Sarawak government) will certainly assist, facilitate, and support Shell’s operations here, especially Miri, which has a long history in Sarawak,” he said, noting that the oil and gas industry in Malaysia started in Sarawak in 1910.
Abang Johari highlighted this when witnessing the symbolic handover of the Letter of Award for the construction and fit out of Shell Malaysia Upstream Headquarters at Miri Times Square, Marina ParkCity in Miri today.
The Premier also pointed out that it is important for all players in the oil and gas sector, including Petronas, Petros, and other contractors, to maintain a strong and close relationship to further strengthen and diversify the industry as well as Sarawak’s economy.
“Our approach is to add value to our gas. I have mentioned to Petronas that it cannot rely on producing LNG (liquified natural gas) only, otherwise we will lose in the long run. We must capitalise on our gas, other petrochemical products, and derivatives which have more value such as methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia that can be exported,” he said.
With several major companies setting up their plants in Bintulu including PTTEP Hong Kong on gas reserves as well as Sumitomo and Samsung on hydrogen production, Abang Johari hopes that Shell will explore opportunities and investments in these areas.
With Sarawak going towards the green and hydrogen economy, he is proud that Shell’s Upstream Headquarters in Miri also adopts the green concept including electric vehicle (EV) (charging) facility.
“There is actually one such building in Samajaya which meets the green building index by using water, solar or the eco-friendly energy sources. After all, Sarawak is going towards green energy, so we must be practical as well.
“But if possible, we hope Shell could also set up a hydrogen (refueling) facility once our public transport system is up as it is based on hydrogen,” he encouraged.
Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development Ripin Lamat; Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni; Miri City Council (MCC) Mayor Adam Yii; ParkCity Group executive chairman Datuk Seri Yaw Chee Siew, and Shell Malaysia country chairman Ivan Tan were among those present.
