Prioritise Sarawak’s high-quality crude oil for high-value industries, says DUN Speaker
by Samuel Aubrey · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (April 8): Sarawak’s high-quality crude oil should be prioritised for high-value industries rather than conventional domestic use in order to maximise economic returns, said Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Mohamad Asfia said the superior quality of crude oil produced in Sarawak — as well as in Sabah, Terengganu and Kelantan — makes it more suitable for specialised sectors such as aviation and heavy machinery.
He noted that the crude oil from these regions has lower sulphur content compared with oil from other parts of the world, making it more valuable for high-technology applications.
“We do not give ‘empurau’ fish that cost RM1,500 per kilo to be eaten by cats, instead we serve the fish for important occasions,” he said in drawing a comparison that premium resources should be reserved for appropriate uses.
“Just as high-value empurau fish is not used arbitrarily, our oil – because of its premium quality – should be channelled to sectors that require higher standards, rather than for general uses such as diesel for vehicles or boats,” he said during the 2026 Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event held at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex here.
The event was graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
In a related development, Mohamad Asfia emphasised that Sarawak’s rich natural resources continue to underpin its economic resilience, strengthening the state’s role in supporting Malaysia’s overall economic stability.
He added that Sarawak also has the potential to become a future exporter of water resources, further diversifying its strategic resource portfolio.
Mohamad Asfia also commended Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his foresight in anticipating a transition from oil to hydrogen as a future energy source.
“With this hydrogen, we can further develop our state and the nation,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; State Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; and State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
Others in attendance included deputy state ministers, assemblymen, DUN Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, and heads of departments.