Kuala Lumpur: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has invested RM25 billion in Sarawak last year, as announced by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Awang Tengah, who also serves as the Sarawak Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, highlighted that these investments encompass nine initial hydrocarbon discoveries and two major production milestones-the Kasawari field at Block SK316 and the Jerun field at Block SK408.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, ongoing offshore development and exploration projects are currently underway to ensure the region’s future energy security. Petronas is enhancing frontier exploration efforts through data enrichment and forming strategic partnerships for seismic processing. These initiatives aim to bolster Sarawak’s role within Malaysia’s energy sector, thereby supporting long-term energy security and economic growth.

Awang Tengah further noted that Sarawak acknowledges the importance of natural gas as a crucial transition fuel on the global path towards achieving net-zero emissions. The state remains committed to its responsible development. The Sarawak Gas Roadmap is designed to leverage the region’s abundant natural gas resources, which account for over 60 percent of Malaysia’s reserves. This approach is intended to drive industrialization, improve energy security, and attract sustainable investments.

As part of this initiative, a RM100 million city gas trunkline in Bintulu is set to expand access to clean and affordable energy for both homes and businesses. Additionally, the RM1 billion Samalaju Pipeline is planned to transport 300 million standard cubic feet (mmscf) per day of gas from Bintulu to the Samalaju Industrial Park. The installation of this gas pipeline is projected to be completed by the end of 2025.