KUCHING: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad’s (PETROS) first onshore oil production in more than 50 years marks new opportunities for local businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while paving the way for more employment opportunities in Sarawak.
Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak’s (FCAS) President, Datuk Seri Richard Wee, said the development would create multiplier effects for businesses directly and indirectly involved in the oil and gas industry.
He said the achievement would benefit Sarawak’s economy in both the short and long term while creating more employment opportunities in the state.
“I hope the business community will seize the opportunity by preparing themselves to be involved in the spin-off effects of the new discovery so that they can capitalise on the development,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Yesterday (Wed, Jul 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.
Richard described the achievement as another historic moment for Sarawak, saying it marked a new beginning for the state’s oil and gas industry.
He noted that the current production came from only one oil well, with more wells expected to be explored and discovered in the future.
He said the achievement would also provide an additional stream of revenue for Sarawak.
“This is another new beginning for Sarawak as the current production comes from only one oil well. There will be more wells to be explored and discovered.
“With such potential, there will be an immense impact on the economy and the business community, particularly the oil and gas sector in Sarawak,” he said.
