Sarawak seeing results to energy security efforts

SINGAPORE: Sarawak is strengthening its energy security through expanded onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration, alongside efforts to increase hydropower and solar energy generation.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the state is already seeing results from its efforts, with onshore oil production resuming after nearly five decades.

“In July 2026, PETROS and PETRA Energy commenced first oil production from the Adong Kechil West Early Production System in Block SK433 in Miri, producing about 800 barrels of oil per day and reviving onshore production after nearly 50 years,” he said in an UKAS report.

Hazland was speaking at the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre here on Tuesday.

He said Sarawak is building on this progress, with further onshore exploration planned in Balingian, Limbang, Marudi and Niah.

In parallel, he said PETROS is exploring the integrated development of offshore gas fields in western Sarawak, off the coast of Kuching, to establish a reliable gas supply for the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub.

Together with hydropower, he said the solar projects would increase the contribution of renewable energy to the state’s energy mix, while natural gas would provide a reliable power supply needed to support the energy transition.

“Power generation is only useful if we can deliver electricity reliably across Sarawak,” he said.

Hazland said the completion of the Bunut–Medamit–Limbang grid in July this year, alongside the Lawas transmission network, has strengthened electricity supply in northern Sarawak.

With Limbang now connected to the main Sarawak Grid, he said  the state could reduce its dependence on diesel generation and create opportunities to extend electricity supply to more areas.

He added that the infrastructure also laid the groundwork for the Sarawak–Sabah Interconnection, marking a significant step towards realising the Borneo Grid and the wider ASEAN Power Grid initiative.