KUCHING: Sarawak aims to further tap into its oil and gas resources by building a petrochemical hub in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu which will see RM24bil in investments from an international company and the creation of 74,000 jobs, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Chief Minister said a 405ha area had been allocated for the hub, with site preparation works underway for a RM3.74bil methanol factory.

"In addition, an international company will invest RM24bil (USD6bil) in the hub.

"This downstream oil and gas industry is expected to create 74,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

"With the petrochemical industry and other economic programmes, household incomes in Sarawak are also projected to increase by 2030," he said when launching the state-level National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign here on Tuesday (July 28).

Abang Johari said the petrochemical industry would be one of the state's post-Covid-19 economic priorities, along with infrastructure and rural development.

He said while the state's oil and gas resources were a major contributor to the national coffers, household income in Sarawak was still low at RM5,218 last year.

"This is because Sarawak's oil and gas industry does not provide sufficient job opportunities for Sarawakians. We need to look closely at this imbalance and take steps to correct the situation," he said.

The Chief Minister also said Sarawak's development should be implemented from a local perspective while taking into account the national interest.

"To me, it is not wrong for Sarawak to step up our development towards becoming an advanced state by 2030.

"This will enable Sarawak to contribute to Malaysia's development overall. An advanced Sarawak means an advanced Malaysia," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/28/s039wak-to-build-petrochemical-hub-create-74k-jobs-says-cm