KUCHING: Sarawak is looking into the possibility of exploring James Shoal in Bintulu, which is believed to contain around 93 billion barrels worth of oil.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said that for the time being, studies may be conducted with regard to the resource potential of the area.
“James Shoal is an area which has resource potential; scientists have studied it. Maybe it has been explored — I am not sure and I do not have the details as I just read it in a book.
“So we will see how the situation goes (with regard to the exploration of James Shoal),” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony for Wisma Melayu Sarawak in Petra Jaya here today.
Earlier in his speech, he said he had learned of the potential of James Shoal after reading a book in which scientists had studied the area.
“I looked James Shoal up on Google Maps and found out it was close to Bintulu. We have to be smart in managing our state’s resources,” said Abang Johari.
He said the proper management of Sarawak’s resources needed scientists, archaeologists, and experts in such matters from the Sarawakian people itself.
