BINTULU: Sarawak has shipped 500,000 metric tonnes of methanol in more than 60 cargoes to international destinations over the past eight months.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak made history earlier this year with its first methanol cargo shipment to China.
He said that other export destinations include Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and several other countries, alongside Peninsular Malaysia.
“The petrochemical industry in Bintulu continues to be strengthened through the development of a methanol plant and downstream gas-based projects.
“Sarawak’s first methanol plant in Tanjung Kidurong, with an investment value of RM7 billion, has an annual production capacity of 1.75 million tonnes. This stands as a new milestone in the state’s petrochemical capabilities.
“With this strong foundation, Sarawak aspires to reinforce its position as a leading petrochemical hub in Asia, thereby contributing to the future prosperity of both the state and the nation,” he said.
He delivered the address during the Sarawak-level Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at Bintulu Old Airport, officiated by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar last night (Sept 16).
Abang Johari said Sarawak remained committed to staying at the forefront of clean energy technology in the region.
He said the state is currently developing the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub in Bintulu to produce green hydrogen and downstream products for both domestic use and export.
This initiative, he added, aligns with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises data-driven and innovation-based development.
“Recently, I visited Siemens Energy’s headquarters in Berlin, Germany, where I was briefed on hydrogen production technology.
“Siemens Electrolyser Technology is capable of producing 350kg of hydrogen per hour.
“This means we now have access to technology that can significantly improve efficiency and production capacity,” he said.
Noting that the World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified Bintulu as the first location in Malaysia for the Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC), Abang Johari expressed confidence that this recognition would add further value to Sarawak’s development.
“This selection places Sarawak alongside leading global industrial clusters in advancing low-carbon and sustainable technologies.
“Thousands of jobs have been created and more will be generated in Bintulu, benefitting the people of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole,” he added.
