LAWAS: A comprehensive study to determine the potential of natural gas and naturally occurring hydrogen resources in several areas of Sarawak is expected to be completed by the end of this year, says Sarawak Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak's Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister II, said the study, conducted by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), also covered the site where methane gas was discovered in Kampung Datuk, Kuala Lawas, in June.
"We have yet to receive the full report, but Petros has been granted a licence to carry out oil and gas exploration studies. I have been informed that the study is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
"Hopefully, the findings will be positive. We hope there will be stable reserves so that the industry can be developed and become a game changer for the people in this area," he told reporters after officiating at the 39th Irau Aco Lun Bawang festival at Lawas Public Park here on Saturday (July 4).
The Bukit Sari assemblyman said the methane gas discovery in Kampung Datuk had the potential to become a new catalyst for the development of the energy industry in northern Sarawak if the study confirmed the existence of sufficient reserves.
He said the potential gas resources could also serve as a new driver of economic growth in the area while creating more employment opportunities for local residents.
Previously, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg was reported as saying that the state government, through Petros, would undertake a detailed study to determine the potential of natural gas and naturally occurring hydrogen resources believed to exist in several areas, namely Gedong, Dalat and Lawas.
He said preliminary findings indicated the possible presence of the energy resources, but scientific research was needed to determine the actual size of the reserves and whether they had the potential to be commercially developed.
On June 10, the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Special Team of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia confirmed that flammable methane gas had been detected at the Northern Coastal Highway construction site in Kampung Datuk, Kuala Lawas.- Bernama
