By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Oct 21: For the first half of 2026, 300 Sarawak vendors secure RM2.68 billion in contracts from Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS).
Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan shared that since 2014, the cumulative value of contracts awarded to Sarawak vendors has reached RM51.5 billion, including contracts undertaken outside Sarawak.
Awang Tengah, who is also Deputy Premier said that local companies need technical expertise, certification, financing and real contract opportunities to move into higher-value work.
He added that in addition to PETRONAS, Sarawak Energy, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), and PETRA Energy are supporting this effort through strategic vendor development and procurement initiatives.
During his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today, he said that Sarawak Energy’s vendor development programme had supported 212 vendors since 2019.
“By September 2026, 197 had completed the programme, comprising 154 Bumiputera and 43 non-Bumiputera vendors, while 448 individuals had obtained technical competency certifications,” said Awang Tengah.
According to the Bukit Sari assemblyman, PETROS is also expanding opportunities for local companies through planned offshore, onshore, gas, and power investments.
Its Sarawak Gas Roadmap Ecosystem Blueprint outlines 15 programmes, including eight flagship initiatives, covering industry demand, infrastructure, technology, capability development, and financing.
“PETRA Energy, a private energy company, has taken the initiative to expand opportunities for local vendors. By September 2026, it had awarded contracts to 78 Sarawak vendors, up from 62 in 2025.
“The company is also working with my Ministry (MINTRED) to develop a programme to strengthen local vendor capabilities,” he said.
Awang Tengah mentioned that for strategic investments, his Ministry will consider appropriate commitments on technology transfer, skills, and local supplier participation, where feasible and consistent with the law.
MINTRED will coordinate with industries, training institutions, and financial partners to match vendor training and certification with actual procurement needs.
“Our objective is to develop local vendors that can compete for complex projects in Sarawak and beyond,” said Awang Tengah. – DayakDaily
