Miri gas hub targets new investments

MIRI is being developed into a strategic gas hub to attract downstream industries, boost investment and create higher-value jobs for Sarawakians.

Deputy Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Malcolm Mussen Lamoh said the Sarawak government, through Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), was developing the Miri hub under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR).

He said the initiative aimed to establish an integrated gas and energy ecosystem to support downstream industries, oil and gas services and other gas-based economic activities in northern Sarawak.

The hub is backed by an integrated network of infrastructure, including upstream and onshore gas production, gas receiving facilities, the 500-megawatt Miri Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant, small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and LNG trucking services.

“These facilities will provide the gas supply, reliable power and supporting infrastructure required to attract new industries and investment,” he said in his reply to Adam Yii (GPS-Pujut) on Tuesday (Oct 13).

Malcolm said PETROS, through Sarawak Gas Distribution (SGD), was also expanding domestic gas distribution in Miri.

Currently, SGD supplies piped gas to 1,362 commercial customers and four industrial customers, with further expansion expected to support commercial, industrial and downstream activities.

He said the Miri hub would open up investment opportunities across the gas and energy value chain, including downstream oil and gas activities, oilfield and gas services, small-scale LNG, energy-related services and other gas-based industries.

The development would also create opportunities for local companies to participate in the supply chain while generating higher-value employment for Sarawakians.

In response to a supplementary question, Malcolm said the RM2.5 billion Miri CCGT power plant project had achieved 63 per cent completion as of the third quarter of 2026.

Commercial operations are expected to begin by the end of 2027.

Once operational, the plant is expected to consume approximately 75 million to 80 million standard cubic feet of natural gas daily to provide a more reliable and efficient electricity supply for northern Sarawak.

Malcolm said the additional power capacity, supported by greater access to locally produced gas, would further strengthen Miri’s appeal to downstream, gas-based and energy-related investors.

The development is expected to reinforce Miri’s role in Sarawak’s gas industry while supporting industrial growth and expanding economic opportunities in the northern region.