Latest news with #SarawakGasRoadmap
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Petros launches piped natural gas to Bintulu households
BINTULU: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) today marked a key milestone with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan, Bintulu, bringing direct energy access to local households for the first time since natural gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982. Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the launch was the first step to distribute gas to the people so they could benefit from the natural gas supply obtained from the state. "The state government has launched the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) so that we can supply gas throughout the state through a gas pipeline system," he told reporters after the launch. He said the distribution of gas through a pipeline was not new as it had been done in Lutong before the formation of Malaysia. He said the power to distribute gas, from the start to the buyers, must be managed by Sarawak through the appointment of Petros as the sole gas aggregator. Abang Johari said the first piped gas to the Sungai Plan project is Petros' first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu and marks a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to its people. Petros group chief executive officer Datuk Janin Girie, in a statement, said the pilot phase involved the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over 3km of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. He said Petros aimed to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area by the end of 2027. He said this infrastructure delivers natural gas directly to homes for cooking and other domestic uses, offering residents a cleaner, more convenient, and cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). "By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering a cleaner and more affordable energy solution to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions," he added. In addition to improving convenience and affordability for households, he said the piped gas initiative supports the longer-term industrialisation of Bintulu and surrounding areas. Under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), Bintulu has been designated as one of four strategic gas hubs alongside Miri, Samalaju, and Kuching. These hubs form part of a statewide "Hub-and-Spoke" model that aims to deliver consistent and reliable gas supply to both urban and hinterland areas across Sarawak. Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65km Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development. Petros is also progressing works on the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, extending the transmission gas pipeline from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), which will further enhance intra-zone gas distribution. For areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is implementing a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) using modular transport to deliver natural gas via road and sea. The first customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply via VPS by end-2025, with a broader rollout planned for 2026. As the sole Gas Aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system. These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak government's energy transition agenda. Among those present at the launch were Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, and Petros chairman Tan Sri Hamid Bugo.
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Petros launches Bintulu's first residential piped gas supply
Hamid (second left) presents a memento to Abang Johari after the launch ceremony. BINTULU (July 23): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) marked a major milestone today with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan – the first direct residential connection since gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982. The initiative is part of the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), a strategic state government plan implemented by Petros to boost domestic gas utilisation, improve energy access, and support sustainable development throughout Sarawak. The launch was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also present were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo. The launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and comes ahead of Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the state's steady progress toward a more inclusive, secure, and resilient energy future. In a statement, Petros said the Sungai Plan project is its first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu, marking a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to the people. 'The pilot phase involves the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over three kilometres of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. 'Petros aims to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area, by the end of 2027,' it said. The infrastructure enables homes to use natural gas for cooking and other domestic needs, offering a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 'By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions,' said Petros Group Chief Executive Officer Dato Janin Girie. Beyond households, the piped gas initiative is designed to support the long-term industrialisation of Bintulu and nearby regions. Under the SGR, Bintulu is designated one of four key gas hubs in Sarawak, alongside Miri, Samalaju and Kuching. These hubs form the backbone of a statewide 'hub-and-spoke' model to ensure reliable gas supply across both urban and rural areas. 'Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65-kilometre Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development,' Petros said. The company said it is also advancing the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, which will extend transmission infrastructure from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and the Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), improving intra-zone distribution capacity. To serve areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is deploying a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) that uses modular transport to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG) by road and sea. The first VPS customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply by end-2025, with broader rollout planned for 2026. As the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system. 'These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak Government's energy transition agenda,' it said. Today's launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and precedes Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the State's steady progress towards a more inclusive and resilient energy future. Abang Johari Bintulu lead Petros piped gas supply Sungai Plan
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak charts path to statewide piped gas access, says Premier
Abang Johari cooks tapioca as a symbolic gesture for the launch. BINTULU (July 23): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reaffirmed the Sarawak government's strong commitment to expanding piped gas infrastructure to every household in the state – a move aimed at enhancing energy accessibility and economic equity. Speaking to reporters after launching the piped natural gas supply to homes in Sungai Plan here today, Abang Johari said the initiative is part of a long-term master plan to ensure Sarawakians benefit directly from the state's own gas resources. 'This is just the beginning of our effort to supply gas to our people so they can enjoy the benefits of the gas extracted in our own backyard,' he said. He cited a successful pilot project in the Quadruplex Taman Ceria (QTC) housing area in Miri, where residents have seen savings of up to 40 per cent or around RM40 monthly after switching from gas cylinders to piped delivery. Determined to extend these benefits across Sarawak, the Premier unveiled the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which outlines a statewide piped gas distribution system. 'We are developing a network of gas distribution hubs throughout Sarawak in Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, and possibly Sibu from where piped gas can be channeled to surrounding areas, even reaching remote towns like Kapit,' he said. According to him, the concept of piped gas is not new to Sarawak, citing earlier systems in Lutong, Sarawak and Seria, Brunei, that predate the formation of Malaysia. Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak's legal framework, particularly the Sarawak Gas Distribution Ordinance, remains intact and continues to empower the state to regulate and manage its own gas sector. Under this framework, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has been formally appointed the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, with full authority to manage supply from upstream to end users. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for endorsing this via a joint declaration between the federal and state governments, which enabled Petros to operate as the sole legal and operational aggregator. 'All companies involved in the gas business must comply with our existing laws. This is a people-centric project, and through the hub-and-spoke model, it will benefit not just urban dwellers but rural communities as well,' he said. The roadmap, he added, will offer tiered benefits across various user groups – residential homes, SMEs, and heavy industries such as methanol production – with rates based on consumption levels. 'The greatest impact will be on ordinary Sarawakians, especially B40 households and those with lower incomes, by easing their cost of living,' he said. Abang Johari also welcomed the federal government's latest cost-of-living measures announced today, including fuel price reductions and other incentives. 'PMX announced his support, and we too are helping our people. Thank you for the initiatives. It shows that the people of Sarawak benefit both from Kuala Lumpur and from Petra Jaya, Kuching,' he said. Also present at the event were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo and other state Cabinet ministers and their deputies. Abang Johari piped gas statewide
Daily Express
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Petros gears for more profits, jobs. Now nation's No. 3 player after Petronas and Shell within just seven years
Published on: Saturday, July 19, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 19, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Joseph said the Kuching project would begin with LNG-to-power infrastructure followed by industrial park development and culminate in high-value manufacturing including low-carbon hydrogen for steel production and ammonia for fertilisers. KUCHING: Sarawak through Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) is bent on creating more jobs and making sure bigger profits stay in the State by moving towards downstream processing instead of just pumping out raw oil and gas and selling them. 'For decades, Sarawak mostly just dug up raw materials and shipped them out … extract, export, repeat,' said Petros Senior Vice President of Growth Datuk Joseph Podtung. Advertisement 'There was not much processing of these materials or strong supporting businesses around them, which meant no ripple effect of economic benefits,' he said. The result, he said, has been shortened value chains, limited spin-offs and few high-income careers. 'Instead of continuing this approach, Petros is changing from simply producing large amounts of raw gas to focusing on creating products from it,' he said, citing turning natural gas into methanol, hydrogen and ammonia before advancing to more sophisticated manufacturing. 'We are not saying no to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). In fact LNG is important because it brings hard currency. It keeps our hub full. It makes Sarawak globally relevant. 'But, if we continue to export, we miss a far greater opportunity in industries, jobs and innovations that will eventually be created through domestic development that allow value chains to be created,' he said. 'Sarawak holds 60 per cent of Malaysia's total natural gas reserves and operates the cleanest electricity grid in the region at just 0.19 kg CO2 per kWh, primarily from hydroelectric power,' he said. 'Sarawak has all the inherent ingredients to unlock the low-carbon economy in this region. It is not just resource-rich, it is development-ready,' he added. He said the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, launched in 2021, is a 10-year strategic plan by the Sarawak Government led by Petros and centres on four development hubs across the State. 'In Miri, the first onshore gas drilling project in over 30 years is underway and a new 500-megawatt power plant is expected to be commissioned by 2027. 'Samalaju will benefit from a 65km pipeline from Bintulu due for completion by year-end, while Bintulu's petrochemical hub has already begun operations with a methanol plant,' he said. Additionally, he said Petros is planning a low-carbon industrial hub through a three-wave approach. 'Currently, Kuching lacks pipeline gas infrastructure, relying instead on diesel and imported LPG. 'Can you imagine, in the capital of an energy-rich State, Kuching has no pipeline gas. 'Without action now, Kuching may not be able to shape the low-carbon economy in Sarawak and beyond,' he said. He said the Kuching project would begin with LNG-to-power infrastructure followed by industrial park development and culminate in high-value manufacturing including low-carbon hydrogen for steel production and ammonia for fertilisers. He pointed out that Petros has secured two anchor partners – China Jiangsu International and Sumitomo Corporation – selected from over 300 candidates. 'These two anchor partners have vast experience in developing industrial parks, not only domestically but internationally. Together, we are not building a facility, we are building an ecosystem.' He said the economic impact is substantial, pointing out that at full scale, the Sarawak Gas Roadmap is expected to deliver RM300 billion in investment, generate RM120 billion in annual output, comparable to the projected Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and create 180,000 jobs. 'This is about leverage, turning our resources into hydrogen, methanol and ammonia, into high-value manufacturing that produces advanced materials and low-carbon products. 'In doing so, we keep the economic value of energy circulating within our own economy, not just extracting, but multiplying,' he said. He pointed out that Petros, which was established in 2017, is now Malaysia's third-largest oil producer after Petronas and Shell and has already invested RM15 billion in the roadmap across various projects. 'Sarawak is not speculating. We are executing. We have the ingredients, the roadmap and momentum. Our strategy is about moving from volume to value and from resource to resilience,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak must move beyond upstream O&G, says Petros VP
Joseph says Sarawak's shallow industrial base limits the state's economic resilience because it relies heavily on primary sector activities. – Bernama photo KUCHING (July 16): Sarawak has yet to tap its full potential in the oil and gas sector as the focus remains largely on upstream activities, said Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) Senior Vice President of Growth, Datuk Joseph Podtung. He said Sarawak's shallow industrial base limits the state's economic resilience because it relies heavily on primary sector activities. 'Extract, export, repeat. That's the cycle. No strong mid or downstream development, no supporting service ecosystem, and no multiplier effect. 'If we keep exporting, we miss out on far greater opportunities. Developing domestic industries will create value chains, jobs and innovations. That is how we build long-term resilience. 'This is not about choosing between LNG and domestic use. It's about unlocking more. More for Sarawak's own use. More retained value. More future-proofing. 'It benefits not just Sarawak, but Malaysia as a whole. We are shifting from a volume mindset to a value mindset,' he said during the plenary session titled Sarawak Gas Roadmap: Unlocking the Potential of Natural Gas for a Sustainable Future at International Energy Week 2025 held here on Tuesday. Joseph added that natural gas is the key for Petros to move downstream, develop hydrogen, and power new industries across Sarawak. He outlined four regional hubs as part of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, each with its own role in expanding the state's energy ecosystem. In Miri, onshore gas drilling resumes after 30 years, alongside a 500-megawatt power plant due by 2027. In Samalaju, the Bintulu-Samalaju pipeline, set to complete this year, will power heavy industries. Bintulu is advancing downstream with a methanol plant already running. However, in Kuching, he highlighted that despite being the capital of an energy-rich state, it has no pipelines and still depends on imported liquified petroleum gas and fossil diesel. 'Without action now, Kuching risks being left behind in the shift to a low-carbon economy. But Kuching has what matters, access to clean power, liveability that attracts talent, and proximity to 30 per cent of global maritime trade,' he said. Joseph said Kuching's low-carbon development will take place in three waves. The first wave will see the LNG-to-power project begin. LNG will be delivered via a floating storage and regasification unit and a subsea pipeline, supplying gas to a new combined cycle power plant. This will provide reliable, low-carbon electricity for Kuching and the wider Borneo region. The second wave builds on this foundation by developing a low-carbon industrial park to attract high-value industries. These include low-carbon petrochemicals, hydrogen clusters and digital sectors. 'And the final phase will transform Kuching's low-carbon hub into a global destination for investment, focusing on high-value added downstream products, such as low-carbon hydrogen for steel manufacturing, and low-carbon ammonia for fertilisers and other specialty chemicals,' he said. He also revealed that a global master planner will be appointed to develop the master plan for the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub and Deep Sea Port. Petros has previously secured two anchor partners, China Jiangsu International and Sumitomo Corporation to provide capital, capabilities and global investor networks to develop the Kuching Low-Carbon Industrial Hub. 'By anchoring demand in Kuching, it opens the need to further develop offshore resources. We have a demand-led pathway to unlock the untapped reserves of Western Sarawak, both natural gas and the CCS development,' he said. At its full scale, the SGR is expected to attract RM300 billion in investments and generate RM120 billion in annual output, which he said is close to what the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is projected to produce at RM125 billion. downstream oil and gas Petros Sarawak
