KUCHING: Western Sarawak might be holding untapped oil and gas reserves, with Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) encouraged to play a greater role in exploring the area’s potential.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said geological trends across Borneo suggest the possibility of fossil fuel reserves extending into western Sarawak.
He pointed to existing oil and gas-producing areas stretching from Sabah through northern and central Sarawak, including Baram, Mukah and Balingian.
“Geologically, there should be fossil fuel reserves there. If we move further towards western Sarawak, there should be reserves there as well,” he said when opening the 12th Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair 2026 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today (June 6).
Abang Johari said no exploration or drilling activities had been carried out in the area so far.
“At present, there is none because no one is exploring or drilling. If others do not want to do it, PETROS can carry out exploration and drilling for oil in areas such as Lundu,” he said.
He acknowledged that exploration activities could be costly, but said advances in technology had improved the industry’s capabilities.
“Of course it is costly, but we have new technology,” he said.
The Premier said PETROS should play a greater role in research and exploration efforts if other companies were unwilling to undertake such activities.
“If other companies do not want to do it, PETROS can do it,” he said.
Abang Johari said successful exploration efforts could contribute to the development of Sarawak’s gas industry.
He noted that natural gas could be processed through a technique known as “cracking”, which separates gas into different components for industrial applications, including hydrogen production.
According to him, hydrogen remains a key component of Sarawak’s future transport plans, with the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system set to utilise hydrogen technology.
“The cost of producing hydrogen has come down because of advances in technology,” he said.
