By DayakDaily Team
BANGKOK, Sept 14: Sarawak is expected to attract up to US$1 billion, or approximately RM4.07 billion, in investment through the development of a gas-based downstream industry, further strengthening the State’s efforts to maximise the value of its natural resources and drive low-carbon economic development.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the large-scale investment involves Indorama Ventures and Highchem, which plan to develop downstream products from Sarawak’s gas resources.
He said the investment would not only optimise the use of Sarawak’s gas resources but also potentially create high-value employment opportunities and support the low-carbon industrial development agenda, particularly in Bintulu.
“This investment is expected to reach US$1 billion and will certainly be an effort for us to utilise our gas resources. It will create high-value jobs and also help us implement low-carbon industrial programmes, particularly in the Bintulu area,” he said when met while attending Gastech 2026 here today.
The Premier added that following the discussions, Indorama and Sarawak Petchem would hold further talks to follow up on and detail the proposed development.
He said another meeting on the matter is expected to take place in Bangkok this October in conjunction with a conference, which will also be attended by a Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
Meanwhile, he said Sarawak’s participation in Gastech 2026 also provided an opportunity to highlight the State’s role in developing the Asian Power Grid, as well as to discuss the energy sector’s direction in addressing climate change and the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
Sarawak, he said, would continue exploring energy cooperation opportunities with Asian countries to ensure the sector remains relevant amid changes in the global energy landscape.
“Sarawak’s approach has received positive responses from international participants, including those from Africa and Thailand.
“This will be the direction for us to develop Asian energy and align Sarawak’s economic direction together with our partners in Asia,” he said.
Sarawak’s participation in Gastech 2026 is expected to create more opportunities to strengthen the State’s position in the regional energy value chain, particularly through downstream industry development, the creation of high-value jobs, and the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Earlier, the Premier met with Indorama Ventures founder and group global chief executive officer, Aloke Lohia.
According to a post on his Facebook page, the meeting focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration between Sarawak and Indorama Ventures, with both parties exchanging views on areas of mutual interest.
The discussion also provided an opportunity to identify possible areas where the company’s expertise and Sarawak’s economic priorities could complement each other.
Indorama Ventures is a global manufacturer and recycler of PET and other chemicals, serving various industries including food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care.
Later, Highchem, a Japan-based hybrid chemical trading house and manufacturer, also briefed the Premier on its proposed project in Bintulu. — DayakDaily
