Kuala lumpur: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today announced that Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) has achieved first oil at the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field near Marudi, marking the return of onshore oil production in Sarawak after more than 50 years. He said the field is producing about 800 barrels of oil per day, or 24,000 barrels per month, which is a historic milestone in Sarawak's efforts to strengthen its position in the oil and gas (OandG) industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Premier expressed pride in this significant achievement during his address at the 2026 Sarawak Day Assembly at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang. He emphasized the importance of this development as a gift to the people of Sarawak, highlighting the state's progress in expanding its downstream industry, particularly in the production of ammonia and blue hydrogen.

Abang Johari highlighted that this milestone demonstrates the capability of Sarawak's local engineers and workforce in exploring and managing the state's oil and gas resources. He stated that this success positions Sarawak as a potential major player in the OandG industry, with the ability to develop downstream products based on methane gas.

The Premier conveyed that Petros' oil production aligns with the Sarawak government's strategy to derive greater added value from the state's natural resources, rather than merely exporting raw materials. He also mentioned that this initiative is supported by the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which aims to develop a natural gas value chain, including petrochemical, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, fertiliser, and high-value chemical industries, to create more high-income job opportunities for Sarawakians.