LIMBANG (Nov 1): Limbang and Lawas hold strong prospects for future growth with encouraging indications of oil and gas reserves in northern Sarawak, which could spur broad economic progress across the state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said preliminary studies by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) have revealed positive signs of hydrocarbon potential in the area.

“Petros has indeed conducted studies on oil and gas deposits, and there are indications of onshore reserves, particularly gas, in Limbang — similar to the Adong field in Miri.

“However, the studies are still ongoing, and Petros has already been granted the licence to explore for gas,” he told a press conference after officiating at the launch of the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) project at Limbang recreational field here today.

Abang Johari said the state government is awaiting full data from Petros’ preliminary studies, which have been carried out over the past year.

He added that if the findings confirm the presence of oil and gas reserves, it would mark a new chapter of opportunity for both the northern region and Sarawak as a whole.

Abang Johari said the positive indications have also strengthened plans for a petrochemical development project in Lawas, which could anchor the region’s next phase of industrial growth.

“If we have the gas, it means Sarawak can move forward with the petrochemical industry, as there are already investment proposals for Lawas,” he said, noting that several potential investors have been identified.

He said once implemented, the project would serve as a catalyst for economic activity in northern Sarawak — particularly in Lawas and Limbang — and create new downstream opportunities.

The state government, he added, would extend full support through infrastructure and port development in Lawas to facilitate the export of petrochemical products to regional markets.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni; and Limbang Resident Unus Tambi.

-Agency