By Nur Ashikin Louis
BINTULU, Aug 22: Sarawak has identified three more areas of collaboration with Petronas, which will accelerate the pace of transforming the State into a high-income economy by doubling its income from RM136 billion to RM282 billion by 2030, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We have identified three more areas for us to collaborate in. It is not necessary for me to reveal (the areas) at the moment but let us discuss (later).
“I’m sure these three areas will transform Sarawak and Malaysia into a high-income economy,” he told Petronas counterparts during the Bintulu Additional Gas Sales Facility 2 (BAGSF-2) Project groundbreaking ceremony held in Tanjung Kidurong here today.
He was confident that by 2030, Sarawak would be a thriving society driven by data and innovation where Sarawakians enjoy economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and a sustainable environment.
“I would like to emphasise the need for Sarawak to double the size of its economy from RM136 billion to RM282 billion in 2030. To achieve this, Sarawak’s economy needs to grow on average at eight per cent per annum until 2030. I am proud to share that Sarawak has outlined seven Strategic Thrusts to accelerate economic growth after the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Abang Johari.
He said to expand Sarawak’s economy, one of the strategic initiatives is the emphasis on downstream development in the oil and gas sector.
Petronas counterparts present at the ceremony were chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh and president-cum-group chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik.
Abang Johari, who is also Minister for Finance and New Economy and Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, further said that through the collaboration, Sarawak would be able to contribute its part in the issue of carbon emission and mitigating climate change.
“With this new technology, which I feel is also indigenous to Malaysia, we can position ourselves in the global position as far as oil and gas, as well as energy (industries), are concerned.
“As we are talking today, South India is having problems in plants (crops), and certain areas in Europe are facing droughts. Meaning climate change is an issue.
“I think through this collaboration with Petronas, we can contribute our part to control the emission of carbon and at the same time to use the latest technology in terms of energy supply,” he added.
He also mentioned that he had recently visited Petronas’s research plant in Bintulu and hinted at a potential collaboration with Petronas in developing aviation fuel.
“I recently visited Petronas’ research plant in Bintulu. There is one area (where) I think the future is bright between Petronas and us (Sarawak) in terms of producing aviation fuel,” he emphasised.
Amongst those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, and State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
