Kuala lumpur: The Sarawak state government is proposing the development of oil and gas-based support services to strengthen the state's upstream and downstream ecosystem. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the initiative would cater to industry needs, including water production and other essential support services for oil and gas activities in northern Sarawak. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Sarawak Premier, has proposed the development of Miri as a support hub for oil and gas services. The state plans to facilitate the services required by the industry, particularly in this part of Sarawak. Abang Johari shared these insights with reporters after visiting the Miri Port's Kuala Baram Delta Dredging Project. Meanwhile, Abang Johari noted that the Miri deep-sea port project is progressing well and is expected to achieve more milestones before the monsoon season this year. The construction of wave breakers at the North Bank and South Bank is crucial for ens uring safe navigation by reducing wave impact and preventing siltation in the channel. With the completion of both banks, the development is expected to create new land through natural sediment accumulation and open up opportunities for industrial and commercial activities. Abang Johari emphasized that the new land formation will attract investment and support activities such as ship repair and shipbuilding, providing a structured facility that meets quality and audit requirements. In the long term, Miri port is anticipated to serve as a northern export gateway, complementing Bintulu, which primarily handles a different category of cargo. The project is also expected to stimulate economic growth in Miri by improving logistics, supporting industrial expansion, and enhancing connectivity. Abang Johari mentioned that RM30 million has been allocated for the oil and gas support base initiative. He further stated that the Kuala Baram Delta access channel dredging project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening the state's maritime capabilities, is progressing ahead of schedule, with overall physical completion reaching about 55 percent for the RM208.9 million development.