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

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the large-scale investment involves Indorama and a Japanese company which plan to develop gas-based downstream products in Sarawak.

According to him, the investment would not only optimise the use of the state’s gas resources, but also has the potential to create high-value jobs and support the low-carbon industry development agenda, particularly in Bintulu.

“The investment is expected to reach US$1 billion and will certainly be part of our efforts to utilise our gas resources. This will create high-value jobs and also help us implement our low-carbon industry programme, particularly in the Bintulu area,” he said when met at GASTECH 2026, here on Monday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that following the discussions, Indorama and Sarawak Petchem will hold further talks to follow up on and work out the details of the development effort.

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

Meanwhile, he said Sarawak’s participation in GASTECH 2026 also provides an opportunity to highlight the state’s role in the development of the ASEAN Power Grid, besides discussing the direction of the energy sector in addressing climate change and the global transition towards a low-carbon economy.

He said Sarawak continues to explore energy cooperation opportunities with Asian countries to ensure the sector’s development remains relevant amid changes in the global energy landscape.

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

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

Also present were Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and Sarawak Petchem Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dato Mohammad Ibrahim. -UKASnews