KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is committed to actively promote investment and exploration of the state’s gas reserves to bolster the economy.
Expressing confidence in the potential of the state’s gas resources, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the viability of these reserves depends on thorough exploration and economic feasibility studies.
“Geologically, we have confidence in the potential of our gas resources, extending to the western part of Sarawak. Thus, we welcome investment and to explore (our gas resources here).
“But, of course, it is also subjected to economic feasibility studies, whether it is economic or not as well as the availability of suitable technology (to explore and utilise) these gas reserves.
“With the right technology, these (gas reserves) could become another significant energy source for us,” he told reporters after attending the Shell Malaysia Hari Raya open house event here today (Apr 12).
Abang Johari also noted promising progress in the Sarawak Integrated Sour Gas Evacuation System (SISGES) sour gas hub for Shell’s Rosmari-Marjoram Bintulu Onshore Gas Plant in Tanjung Kidurong, indicating a bright future for the gas sector.
With Shell alongside Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production, Mubadala from the UAE, and Petros, he said, Sarawak is anticipating an increase of upstream and downstream activities in the state.
He also pointed out the significance of Shell establishing its Malaysia Upstream headquarters at Miri Times Square, allowing the city to reclaim its historical prominence as the place where oil was first discovered in Miri over a century ago.
Also present were Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Abang Johari’s wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and Shell country chair Siti Hurrairah Sulaiman, among others.
