KUCHING: Sarawak’s gas resources, governed by its own laws, could secure the state’s economic future for the next century.
In stating this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian stressed the importance of ongoing negotiations between the state government and the federal government to resolve the long-standing issue between PETRONAS and PETROS.
“We are elected to make laws. That’s the most important thing.
“Right now, the Premier is discussing with the Prime Minister about Sarawak’s gas, and it’s all based on law. And it’s big money. We are talking about the next 100 years,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the launching of Borneo Eco Show (BES) 2025 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here yesterday.
Citing Sarawak’s 2025 revenue of RM15.8 billion, he compared it to other states, saying it equals 15 years of Penang’s, and five years of Selangor’s, revenue.
He then hinted that current discussions could bring in a sum of RM10 billion to Sarawak.
“How much is the Premier talking with the Prime Minister now? Well, if it’s successful, for RM5 billion, you can buy all the shophouses in Sibu.
“Another RM5 billion gets you the whole of Miri’s shophouses, and that’s just the beginning, the same amount could come in again next year,” he said.
He emphasised the strategic importance of Sarawak’s gas reserves, believed to be among the top five or six in the world.
“This is about the next 100 years of our economy. That’s why we must have our own gas law,” he said.
On a separate note, he also highlighted Sarawak’s growing reputation in medical research, recalling his role as a founding director of Clinical Research Malaysia in 2013.
The initiative has since generated RM1.5 billion in revenue and created 3,000 jobs, with Sarawak now leading in “first-in-human” clinical trials, particularly in oncology.
“The Sarawak General Hospital is the only Southeast Asian site selected by Roche Medical for early-phase cancer trials,” he noted, adding that this high-value sector is driving medical tourism and attracting major private hospital investments.
