
Petronas forges new milestones for Sabah's energy growth
KUALA LUMPUR (July 4): Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), via Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), has formalised a few key agreements with the Sabah state government at the Sabah Oil, Gas & Energy Conference & Exhibition (SOGCE) 2025.
In a statement yesterday, the national oil company said it officially handed over the Sabah gas strategy document, which outlines a long-term and structured blueprint to secure reliable gas supply for the stateís expanding domestic demand.
The document is a joint initiative between Petronas and the Sabah state government.
MPM senior vice-president Datuk Bacho Pilong said the document handover, together with other milestones, ìreaffirms our partnership with the state government to responsibly unlock the full potential of the stateís energy resources.
'We will together continue accelerating sustainable development, strengthening energy security and creating long-term value to benefit Sabah and the nation,' he said in the statement.
These various milestones reflect a shared commitment to advancing Sabah's energy landscape via collaborative, sustainable, and value-driven development, he said.
The Sabah gas strategy was developed by a joint task force comprising Petronas, SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd, Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd, Sabah's Energy Commission and Sabah's Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry under the advice of the Sabah joint coordination committee, the statement said.
Additionally, Petronas said it also signed the technical evaluation agreement (TEA) with ConocoPhillips Malaysia New Ventures Ltd and PERTAMINA Hulu Energi for the Layang-Layang Basin.
This paves the way for comprehensive subsurface studies ranging from regional geological assessments to detailed prospect analysis for 44,500 square kilometres located off Sabah's coast.
The national oil company also formalised a memorandum of understanding with DIALOG Resources Sdn Bhd to advance the development of the Mutiara Cluster, located off Sabah's east coast.
The statement said Petronas is also investing in seismic data acquisition programmes to deepen geological insights and accelerate exploration activities. – Bernama
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Daily Express
11 hours ago
- Daily Express
Oil and gas: Bigger Sabah participation, Sabah can unlock its true potential in the industry.
Published on: Sunday, July 13, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 13, 2025 By: Datuk Roger Chin Text Size: THE Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) between Sabah and Petronas marks a significant milestone. It empowers Sabah to exercise greater control over its oil and gas resources, paving the way for a period of renewed growth and development within the state. This positive outlook is further bolstered by the success of SMJ Energy, a Sabahan oil and gas company that has achieved remarkable financial standing, boasting a coveted triple-A bond rating and substantial assets and profitability as demonstrated by its RM50 million maiden dividend to the State Govt in 2023. However, a crucial question remains – how can Sabah leverage these developments to create a truly inclusive oil and gas ecosystem that empowers its local population? 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As their expertise and capacity grow, they can climb the ladder, potentially securing larger contracts or even expanding into other segments like equipment maintenance or specialized transport. This fosters a dynamic environment where local businesses can continuously improve and evolve alongside the industry. Additional Crucial Measures for Empowering Local Participation Infrastructure Development: Investing in Sabah's transportation networks, communication systems, and power grids will create a more attractive environment for businesses and incentivize further participation. Improved infrastructure will not only reduce operational costs but also enhance productivity and efficiency. Education and Training Alignment: Aligning Sabah's education and training curriculum with the specific needs of the oil and gas industry will ensure a readily available pool of qualified local talent. This includes incorporating relevant technical skills training alongside soft skills development programs to nurture well-rounded professionals. Local Content Requirements: Establishing clear and measurable local content requirements will incentivize contractors and operators to utilize Sabah-based services and workforce. This can be implemented through a tiered system that offers preference to companies demonstrating a commitment to local hiring and procurement. Financial Support Mechanisms: Providing access to financing for Sabahan businesses, particularly SMEs, is crucial for contract competition and joint venture participation. Loan guarantees, tax breaks, and subsidies can level the playing field. Grant programs specifically targeted towards innovation and technological development in the oil and gas sector can further empower local companies. Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship will be critical to drive local participation beyond traditional service provision. Supporting the development of homegrown oil and gas technology and service companies will ensure Sabah has a stake in the entire value chain. This can involve establishing business incubators, providing mentorship programs, and organizing innovation challenges focused on addressing industry-specific problems. A Shared Journey Towards Prosperity By fostering an inclusive and transparent environment, Sabah can unlock its true potential in the oil and gas sector. Empowering Sabahans to participate meaningfully will not only contribute to their own economic well-being but also fuel the state's growth and development. The future is bright, and by equipping Sabahans with the right tools and knowledge, we can ensure they are well-positioned to navigate this exciting new chapter and become active participants in the state's oil and gas renaissance. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]

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Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Former SOGDC CEO refutes Masidi's claims on Sabah oil and gas progress
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