KOTA SAMARAHAN: Disruptions in methanol supply from the Middle East have opened up opportunities for Sarawak Petchem to increase its production rate to 90 per cent to meet growing industrial demand in the Asian market, particularly Taiwan and China.

According to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, geopolitical developments in the region are driving Asian nations to seek alternative supply sources to ensure the continuity of their industrial operations.

According to him, the situation has heightened demand for Sarawak Petchem's methanol supply as several countries turn to the company for raw material procurement.

“Countries in Asia are now looking for alternative sources to obtain raw materials for their industrial needs, and they have requested Sarawak Petchem to increase supplies to meet that demand,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after attending the Launching Ceremony of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak Youth Election Machinery here on Sunday.

Following this surge in demand, he revealed that Sarawak Petchem will raise its current production rate—which ranges between 45 and 75 per cent—to 90 per cent to accommodate market requirements.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that Sarawak Petchem boasts a production capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes per day, thereby providing ample room to scale up supply in response to rising market demand.

This development also demonstrates how shifts in global supply chains can unlock opportunities for local producers to expand their market reach and boost output to serve regional industrial needs. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab
Photos: Mohd Hisyam Arif & Mohd Rais Sanusi
Translator: Ryan Lim