US$1 bil investment set to boost Sarawak’s gas downstream industry

Abang Johari speaking to the press at the Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sept 13, 2026. Source: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

BANGKOK, Sept 14: Sarawak is expected to attract up to US$1 billion, or approximately RM4.07 billion, in investment through the development of a gas-based downstream industry, further strengthening the State’s efforts to maximise the value of its natural resources and drive low-carbon economic development.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the large-scale investment involves Indorama and a Japanese company planning to develop downstream products from Sarawak’s gas resources.

He said the investment would not only optimise the use of Sarawak’s gas resources but also potentially create high-value employment opportunities and support the low-carbon industrial development agenda, particularly in Bintulu.

“This investment is expected to reach US$1 billion and will certainly be an effort for us to utilise our gas resources. It will create high-value jobs and also help us implement low-carbon industrial programmes, particularly in the Bintulu area,” he said when met while attending Gastech 2026 here today.

The Premier added that following the discussions, Indorama and Sarawak Petchem would hold further talks to follow up on and detail the proposed development.

He said another meeting on the matter is expected to take place in Bangkok this October in conjunction with a conference, which will also be attended by a Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.

Meanwhile, he said Sarawak’s participation in Gastech 2026 also provided an opportunity to highlight the State’s role in developing the Asian Power Grid, as well as to discuss the direction of the energy sector in addressing climate change and the global transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Sarawak, he said, would continue exploring energy cooperation opportunities with Asian countries to ensure the sector remains relevant amid changes in the global energy landscape.

“Sarawak’s approach has received positive responses from international participants, including those from Africa and Thailand.

“This will be the direction for us to develop Asian energy and align Sarawak’s economic direction together with our partners in Asia,” he said.

Sarawak’s participation in Gastech 2026 is expected to create more opportunities to strengthen the State’s position in the regional energy value chain, particularly through downstream industry development, the creation of high-value jobs, and the transition towards a low-carbon economy. — DayakDaily