KUCHING: The Sirung-Chenda development project, targeted for first production in 2028 with an estimated combined output of 15,000 barrels per day, reflects Sarawak’s commitment towards building an environmentally responsible and low-carbon energy future, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the project, undertaken by PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited together with Brooke Holding Sdn Bhd, has been designed with Zero Routine Flaring and advanced remote-operated offshore operations, in line with Sarawak’s long-term sustainability aspirations.
“This is significant because Sarawak’s energy future must not only be productive, but also environmentally responsible, efficient and aligned with low-carbon aspirations,” he said in his speech during the contract signing ceremony between PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited and Brooke Holding Sdn Bhd here today (May 26).
The Sirung Field Development is a hydrocarbon field development project located approximately 140km from the MLNG complex in Bintulu and supported by a new production platform designed to facilitate oil and gas production for Offshore Block SK405B.
Abang Johari said developments such as the Sirung project remain highly important amid growing uncertainties in the global energy market.
He noted that recent geopolitical tensions had once again highlighted the vulnerability of global energy markets to conflicts, transportation disruptions and sudden shifts in demand.
“In Asia, LNG spot prices rose sharply during recent market shocks before moderating again. This underlines an important point for Sarawak.
“The responsible development of our gas resources is not merely an industrial opportunity. It is also a strategic source of fiscal strength, economic resilience and long-term value for the state and its people,” he said.
Abang Johari also welcomed the involvement of Brooke Holding, describing the Sarawak-linked company’s role in the project as an important step in strengthening local capabilities in the offshore oil and gas industry.
He said Sarawak’s development agenda must go beyond being merely a resource base and instead focus on building the competence, confidence and credibility of Sarawakian companies.
“In a sector as competitive and technically demanding as offshore oil and gas, success cannot come through entitlement. Success can only come through discipline, capability, professionalism and the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement,” he said.
Abang Johari expressed hope that Brooke Holding would continue to grow into a leading Sarawakian company capable of competing internationally and delivering projects to global standards.
Meanwhile, he said the involvement of Affin Bank, in which Sarawak now holds a strategic interest, demonstrated the type of economic ecosystem the state aims to develop.
“This reflects the kind of ecosystem we want to build, where Sarawak’s industrial development is supported not only by engineering capability but also by financial institutions linked to Sarawak’s long-term economic interests,” he said.
Abang Johari added that while oil and gas remain key pillars of Sarawak’s economy, the state is also moving decisively into strategic sectors such as the hydrogen economy, renewable energy, downstream industries, digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, sustainable growth platforms as well as semiconductor and aerospace technology.
“Our strategy is not about choosing one sector over another. Our strategy is to build from our strengths, capture value wisely and use today’s resource wealth to finance tomorrow’s economy,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships with international players such as PTTEP, saying such collaborations bring capital, technology, operational excellence and investor confidence to Sarawak.
“At the same time, Sarawak’s policy direction remains firm. Investment must coexist with fair value capture, local participation and long-term benefits for the state. That is the balance we seek,” he added.
