Petros Achieves Sarawak's First Onshore Oil Production In Over 50 Years
SIBU, July 22 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today announced that Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) has achieved first oil at the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field near Marudi, marking the return of onshore oil production in Sarawak after more than 50 years.
He said the field is producing about 800 barrels of oil per day, or 24,000 barrels per month, which is a historic milestone in Sarawak's efforts to strengthen its position in the oil and gas (O&G) industry.
“In conjunction with Sarawak Day, I would like to announce, as a gift to the people of Sarawak, that Petros, Sarawak's state-owned O&G company, has seen its first oil production earlier this week at the Adong Kechil West field.
“With this new production, after more than 50 years since the last onshore oil production, Sarawak is on the right track to expand its downstream industry, particularly in the production of ammonia and blue hydrogen,” he said in his address at the 2026 Sarawak Day Assembly at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang here tonight.
Abang Johari said the achievement demonstrates the capability of Sarawak’s local engineers and workforce in exploring and managing the state's oil and gas resources.
According to him, the success proves that Sarawak has the capability to become a major player in the O&G industry, including in developing downstream products based on methane gas.
“This is a great gift to Sarawak in conjunction with this year's Sarawak Day celebration. Sarawak is now a major player in the O&G industry, thanks to the efforts of Sarawakians themselves,” he said.
He further said that Petros' oil production is in line with the Sarawak government's strategy to create greater added value from the state's natural resources, rather than simply exporting raw materials.
Abang Johari added that it is also supported by the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which focuses on developing a natural gas value chain, including the petrochemical, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, fertiliser, and high-value chemical industries, to create more high-income job opportunities for Sarawakians.
-- BERNAMA