Wan Junaidi officiates the event as (from left) Dr Rundi, Awang Tengah, Abang Johari and Fauziah look on. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit

BINTULU (Sept 17): Sarawak has exported more than 500,000 metric tonnes of methanol or equivalent to over 60 cargoes to various international destinations within eight months after its maiden shipment to China earlier this year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Besides China, he said other export destinations include Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and several other countries, as well as Peninsular Malaysia.

“The petrochemical industry in Bintulu continues to be strengthened through the development of the methanol plant and gas-based downstream projects.

“Sarawak’s first methanol plant in Tanjung Kidurong, with an investment of RM7 billion and an annual production capacity of 1.75 million tonnes, has become a new landmark in showcasing the state’s petrochemical capability.

“With this solid foundation, Sarawak aspires to further strengthen its position as Asia’s leading petrochemical hub, thereby contributing to the economic prosperity of both the state and Malaysia,” he said during state-level Malaysia Day celebration here last night.

The event, attended by about 10,000 people, was graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Earlier, Abang Johari said Sarawak is advancing further in energy innovation in line with the Post-Covid19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises data-driven and innovation-led development.

He said that the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub project in Bintulu, which is being developed, will produce green hydrogen and downstream products for both domestic use and export.

“This reflects the state’s commitment to remain at the forefront of clean energy technology in the region.

“Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Siemens Energy Headquarters in Berlin, Germany where I was briefed on hydrogen production technology. Siemens Electrolyser Technology is capable of producing 350 kilograms of hydrogen per hour.

“This means there is now technology that can enhance efficiency and increase hydrogen production capacity,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the selection of Bintulu as the first location in Malaysia and Southeast Asia for the Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) under the World Economic Forum (WEF) is an important recognition placing Sarawak on par with global industrial clusters in advancing low-carbon and sustainable technologies.

“The presence of these industries adds great value to Sarawak’s development. Thousands of job opportunities have been and will continue to be created in Bintulu, benefiting not only the people of Sarawak but Malaysia as a whole,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.