Premier: Sarawak enters into global methanol market with state-of-the-art complex

KUCHING (July 22): The realisation of the Sarawak Methanol Complex today marks Sarawak’s entry into the petrochemical industry and the state’s emergence as a significant player in the global methanol market, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Premier said with this achievement, Sarawak is proud to be one of the global methanol producers, capable of producing up to 1.75 million metric ton per annum of methanol.

“The Sarawak Methanol Complex is the first mega methanol plant to be developed and built by Sarawak’s entity (Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd).

“This complex is truly a state-of-the-art facility that symbolises our collective effort and commitment towards sustainable development and technology innovation,” he said when officiating the launch of the complex at Tanjung Kidurong in Bintulu today.

He said the Sarawak Methanol Complex represents another major investment in the state, serving as catalyst for more economic development in this region, driving job creation, fostering sustainable growth and social inclusivity.

“This methanol plant project, which is one of six catalytic projects that will help Sarawak to generate an additional RM34 billion to Sarawak GDP by 2030, will contribute significantly to the state’s economy by bolstering the manufacturing sector and its value chains.

“This aligns well with our goal to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution,” he said.

He also expressed confidence that this project has created a platform for the state to develop and attract skilled workforce.

“Even during the construction phase, this project has already created numerous job opportunities for the local and I expect it will continue to provide more employment for our people.

“The economic ripple effect will be felt across various sectors, from local businesses and enterprises to larger supply chains, fostering economic resilience and prosperity in-line with our aspiration to achieve a high Gross National Income (GNI) per capita,” he said.

Abang Johari said there is a pressing need to fill the gap of skilled workforces in meeting the demands of high-skilled employment over the next five to 10 years.

He also emphasised the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to support and propel the growth of Sarawak’s expanding economy.

“Education and human capital development are critical components in increasing workers efficiency and help our economy to move up the value chain.

“On this note, I would like to call upon our talents abroad to come back and actively engage in this ‘nation-building’ endeavour.

“I can assure you that the level of our economic development will be abreast with the economies worldwide. We are a small nation but our dream is big because of our resources and I am sure with sheer determination and self confidence, Sarawak can do it,” he said, noting that there are Sarawakian talents, who have returned from overseas and Peninsular Malaysia, that were now working with Sarawak Petchem.

The Premier said Sarawak Petchem is currently exploring other opportunities as part of the strategy to diversify their portfolio and make green energy adoption a reality.

“In addition, Sarawak is now promoting low carbon solutions and is also committed to accelerating the transition to a high-value green economy as outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

“With various multi-billion dollar flagship projects in Bintulu, Sarawak is well-positioned to be a regional green energy hub. This will spur rapid economic activities that would open up more profitable ventures,” he said.

Abang Johari later witnessed the exchange of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between Sarawak Petchem and several organisations including Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).

Besides the current allocated gas supply for the Sarawak methanol plant project, Petros will also supply another new 160 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of natural gas to Sarawak Petchem which is integral to the Sarawak Gas Roadmap for the new low carbon ammonia and urea plant project.

Among those present at the ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, and Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Hussain.