Premier: Petros to invest RM2 bln to develop CCGT plant
MIRI: State-owned oil and gas company Petros will be investing RM2 billion to develop the upcoming 400MW Miri Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the plant will power the city with affordable, reliable and cleaner natural gas and that Miri has been identified as one of four upcoming gas hubs – alongside Bintulu, Samalaju and Kuching – to provide statewide access to affordable and reliable gas supply and clean energy under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR).
“The SGR is a key pillar in realising the state’s 2030 vision of becoming a high-income and advanced state, through the prioritisation of 1,200 mmscf/day of Sarawak’s natural gas to spur domestic economy,” he said in his address at the launch of the Piped Gas Supply at Medan Saberkas, here yesterday.
His text-of-speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Abang Johari said the pilot project is a reflection of Petros’ commitment to maximising positive impact within the community here and highlights the significant progress of the SGR.
“With the completion of this pilot project, we have further upgraded the existing facilities in Medan Saberkas Miri, which already includes permanent roofing, clean water and reliable power supply as well as a comprehensive package of council services,” he said.
The Premier pointed out the
The SGR is a key pillar in realising the state’s 2030 vision of becoming a high-income and advanced state, through the prioritisation of 1,200 mmscf/day of Sarawak’s natural gas to spur domestic economy. — Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Premier of Sarawak
provision of piped gas supply to Medan Saberkas Miri was the latest initiative under the big umbrella of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 to benefit small and medium traders.
“I m pleased to see the success of this smart partnership between Miri City Council (MCC) and Petros, which has benefitted 67 traders at Medan Saberkas Miri.
“This community-focused initiative will now provide these traders in Miri with affordable, reliable, clean energy via piped natural gas supply.”
Abang Johari said as an energy source, natural gas is reliable, cost-effective and safe, and is a less carbon-intensive option compared to other fossil fuels resulting in immediate and long-term benefits for its users whether residential, commercial or industrial.
He said since 2017, Petros has increased its equity production to over 40 per cent offshore Miri, and for onshore Miri, drilling is expected to commence by the second half of 2023.
Meanwhile, he recalled that in the 1990s, Tamu Saberkas was just an open-air demarcated area utilising the parking places at Saberkas Commercial Centre, allowing hawkers and petty traders to market their agricultural and jungle produce.
“This area has since evolved into a conducive trading area for these traders, providing convenience to the surrounding residents as well as Mirians while also becoming one of the must-visit places for visitors and tourists.
“I would like to suggest that MCC explore the possibility of linking Medan Saberkas Miri to the equally popular Taman Bulatan opposite the road and turning the whole area into an all-in-one, well-developed residential, commercial and recreational attraction area.
“I would be happy to look into such a proposal in order to benefit the surrounding community and local economy,” he said.
Also present were Petros group executive officer Janin Girie, state Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Rosey Yunus; Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, Pujut assemblyman and Miri mayor Adam Yii, and Miri MP Chiew Choon Man.