Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) has made history by producing its first oil from the Adong Kechil West (AKW) field near Marudi, marking the return of onshore oil production in Sarawak for the first time in more than five decades.
Announcing the milestone during the Sarawak Day 2026 celebration on Wednesday night, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the field is currently producing about 800 barrels of oil per day, equivalent to 24,000 barrels a month.
He described the achievement as a major step forward for Sarawak’s oil and gas industry, with production now being led by the state’s own energy company.
“As a gift to the people of Sarawak in conjunction with Sarawak Day, I am pleased to announce that PETROS began its first oil production at the Adong Kechil West field earlier this week.
“With this historic achievement, Sarawak is now on the right track to further develop its downstream industries, particularly in the production of ammonia and blue hydrogen,” he said during the celebration at Dataran Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang.
Abang Johari said the success demonstrates the capability of Sarawakian engineers and local talent in exploring and managing the state’s oil and gas resources.
He added that the milestone positions Sarawak as a major player in an industry driven by its own people while strengthening downstream industries based on the state’s natural resources.
“This is a major gift to Sarawak for this year’s Sarawak Day celebration. Sarawak is now a key player in the oil and gas industry, driven by Sarawakians themselves,” he said.
According to Abang Johari, PETROS’ first oil production is in line with the Sarawak government’s strategy to create greater value from the state’s natural resources instead of exporting raw materials.
He said the initiative is further supported by the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which focuses on expanding the natural gas value chain through industries such as petrochemicals, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, fertilisers, and other high-value chemical products while creating more high-income job opportunities for Sarawakians.
In a separate announcement, Abang Johari revealed that AirBorneo will launch its first international flight from Kuching to Singapore as another Sarawak Day gift to the people of the state.
The announcement follows AirBorneo’s inaugural Kuching–Kuala Lumpur flight on 20 July, marking another milestone in Sarawak’s aviation sector.
He said the new Singapore route represents more than just an additional destination, describing it as the beginning of a new era for Sarawak’s air connectivity that is more efficient, competitive and future-ready.
“AirBorneo reflects the Sarawak government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity, boosting trade, expanding tourism and attracting more investments into the state,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the airline will also create more opportunities for businesses and local producers to access wider markets, including promoting Sarawak products such as dabai to international consumers.
He said AirBorneo will complement Sarawak’s modern transport ecosystem alongside the development of ports, highways, airports and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system to build a more efficient, sustainable and integrated transport network.
The Sarawak Day celebration was attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, the state’s deputy premiers and other senior leaders.
