KUCHING: The significance of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad’s (PETROS) first onshore oil production is not the volume produced, but the fact that Sarawak has begun producing its own oil, says Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
He described the achievement as historic, saying it marked a turning point for Sarawak as it strengthened the state’s capability to manage and benefit from its own natural resources.
“Some may look at the figure and ask, ‘Only 800 barrels a day?’
“But the real significance is not the volume. It is about who is producing the oil and who will ultimately benefit from it,” he said in a Facebook post.
Yesterday (Wednesday, July 22), Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that PETROS had achieved Sarawak’s first onshore oil production in more than 50 years at the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field near Marudi.
Drawing an analogy, Fazzrudin said the achievement was akin to a farmer who had long leased out his land before eventually cultivating it himself.
He said while the farmer’s first harvest might be modest, the real change was that he was now working his own land and enjoying the fruits of his labour.
“Likewise, Sarawak has long possessed valuable oil and gas resources.
“Today, through PETROS, Sarawak has proven that we are no longer merely a state with resources. We have begun producing our own oil,” he added.
Fazzrudin said the development would create greater opportunities for Sarawakians through employment, business participation, and the development of local expertise.
He said the economic returns could also be channelled into improving roads, strengthening telecommunications infrastructure, upgrading schools and hospitals, and providing better public amenities.
“The most important thing is that we are building our own capability.
“Today, it may be one oil field. Tomorrow, God willing, there could be many more.
“PETROS has proven that we are capable of producing our own oil. That is the real turning point,” he said.
Fazzrudin said no major oil company in the world had begun by producing hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil a day, noting that every industry leader started with a first step before gradually expanding.
“Eight hundred barrels a day is not the destination. It is the starting point of a much bigger journey,” he added.
“Today we are planting the seed. The tree may not yet be big, but the seed has begun to grow. With perseverance, patience and proper planning, the benefits will one day be enjoyed by future generations.”
The Tupong assemblyman also congratulated PETROS and its workforce on the historic achievement, while commending the Sarawak Government for its vision and determination to build the state’s own capabilities.
“Today is about confidence. Today is about capability. Today is about Sarawak’s future,” he said.
