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Premier: Early signs point to promising gas potential at Miri's Adong Kechil West onshore field
Abang Johari (seated centre) speaks to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of Miri Marina Bridge project today.
MIRI (July 22): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is optimistic about the commercial potential of the SK433 Adong Kechil West (AKW) onshore gas field here, citing encouraging early signs from ongoing exploration work.
Speaking to reporters after launching the RM450 million Miri Marina Bridge project today, he said the use of advanced technology had strengthened confidence in the field's viability.
'Early indication is good,' he said, though he declined to disclose reserve estimates or a production timeline.
His remarks come after feasibility studies by state oil and gas company Petros – Sarawak's sole gas aggregator – suggested the presence of significant gas reserves at the onshore site.
Drilling at the AKW field began in October 2023, marking Sarawak's return to onshore exploration after a 50-year break.
Located within Block SK433, a 3,100 sq km area awarded to Petros in July 2021, the project is a joint effort with Petra Energy Bhd.
Abang Johari said the gas from AKW will supply a 400-megawatt power plant being built in Lutong, which is set to start operations in 2027.
Earlier this year, Petros updated Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on plans to accelerate the AKW drilling project by 2025.
Petros Senior Vice President Datuk Abang Arabi Abang Narudin outlined supporting infrastructure plans including road access, oil transfer terminals, and the gas power plant – all aimed at benefiting nearby communities.
Onshore data gathering using Enhanced Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometer (eFTG) technology is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2025.
Back in 2013, Petronas had announced a major discovery at the Adong Kecil West-1 well in Block SK333, about 20 km northeast of Miri.
The well, drilled to a depth of 3,170 metres by JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration and Petronas Carigali, found around 349 metres of net hydrocarbon deposits. Abang Johari Adong Kechil West miri oil and gas
