Miri Oil And Gas Hub To Boost Industry Ecosystem - Abang Johari

MIRI, April 25 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak state government is proposing the development of oil and gas-based support services to strengthen the state’s upstream and downstream ecosystem.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the initiative would cater to industry needs, including water production and other essential support services for oil and gas activities in northern Sarawak.

“Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (Deputy Sarawak Premier) has proposed that we develop Miri as a support hub for oil and gas services. We will facilitate the services required in the industry, particularly in this part of Sarawak,” he told reporters after a site visit to Miri Port’s Kuala Baram Delta Dredging Project today. 

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the Miri deep-sea port project was progressing well and is expected to achieve more milestones before the monsoon season this year.

He said that the construction of wave breakers at the North Bank and South Bank would play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation by reducing wave impact and preventing siltation in the channel.

With the completion of both banks, Abang Johari said that the development would also create new land through natural sediment accumulation and open up opportunities for industrial and commercial activities.

“The new land formation will attract investment and support activities such as ship repair and shipbuilding, which will provide a structured facility that meets quality and audit requirements,” he said. 

Abang Johari said that in the long term, Miri port would serve as a northern export gateway, complementing Bintulu, which primarily handles a different category of cargo, while the project is also expected to stimulate economic growth in Miri by improving logistics, supporting industrial expansion, and enhancing connectivity. 

“This port will become an important exit point for commodities and contribute to the economic ecosystem in northern Sarawak,” he said, adding that RM30 million has been allocated for the oil and gas support base initiative.

Meanwhile, he said the Kuala Baram Delta access channel dredging project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s maritime capabilities, is progressing ahead of schedule, with overall physical completion reaching about 55 per cent for the RM208.9 million development.

-- BERNAMA