BINTULU: The discovery of new gas fields in Sarawak will be a boon to not only the state’s economy but Malaysia as a whole.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the energy resources derived from the gas will bring economic benefits to propel Sarawak into a developed state.
“Scientists have discovered that using a new technology, they can produce a light composite (to be used) as one of the important components of aircrafts.
“If we can do that, we will be able to attract people in the aviation industry to come here and thereon, we will manufacture the component,” he said at a press conference held at Sarawak Petchem Methanol Plant, Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu on Yesterday (Aug 22).
Abang Johari pointed out that it does not mean that Sarawak would manufacture the whole aircraft.
“But we will outsource the material for certain components of the aircraft.
“From that, we can become the supplier of the components of the aircraft. And that is our vision,” he said.
Adding on, he emphasised that Sarawak needed to train the locals for the particular venture.
“For that, I have expressed my desire for our universities to produce people (who are experts in) chemistry, physics and other related subjects for us to achieve this vision,” he said.
In line with this, Abang Johari also said that it was important for Sarawak to train its people in the construction of methanol technology.
“Methanol is the catalyst for the establishment of our petrochemical hub, particularly in the Bintulu region,” he added.
On another note, he said that he had discussed with Petronas on the matter of oil and gas and the role that Petros and SEDC Energy could play.
“We had a fruitful discussion which will benefit the whole economy of Malaysia, particularly between Petronas and Sarawak.
“Today as well, I was invited to lay the foundation of a gas facility at Kidurong and this facility is for additional gas that is to be supplied to Sarawak – for the purpose of the industry like methanol and our power plant.
“This additional gas means a lot to us. For that, I would like to thank Petronas (for the gas) and for the discussion on the gas matter which allows Sarawak to go downstream in the petroleum industry,” he said.
