MIRI, Jan 17: There are opportunities in the energy transition towards environmental sustainability in Sarawak for ‘futuristic and forward’ thinking small and medium enterprises (SMEs), says Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Dr Hazland Abang Hipni.
“However, they will need clearer and more transparent information-sharing by Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Berhad) and Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Berhad) in gearing the SMEs towards the (United Nations) common sustainability goals,” he pointed out.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day programme for Sarawak Bumiputera oil and gas contractors in Miri earlier today, he added that Sarawak is fortunate that its oil and gas industry is still vibrant.
“In 2022, eight of the 10 new oil and gas discoveries were found in offshore Sarawak… I am also informed that based on the information from Petronas’ 2021 Malaysia Bid Round (MBR), while over three billion barrels of oil equivalent (Bboe) have been produced from the Sarawak basin, there is still a potential of 11 Bboe ‘yet-to-find’ in the Sarawak Basin,” he said.
Thus, he added, it gives Sarawak the impetus to be more involved and participative on all levels of managing and developing its oil and gas resources.
Dr Hazland also disclosed that the formation of a Sarawak oil and gas industry task force under his ministry to adopt and refine the resolutions proposed during Sarawak Oil & Gas Seminar and Exhibition (SOGSE) back in 2019.
“I welcome the participation of Suarah Petroleum Group (SPG) and Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs (DUBS) as members of this task force to ensure the (development of) oil and gas sectors in the State,” he added.
Also present were SPG chairman Abang Iskandar Abang Muas, DUBS executive secretary Sarbini Abang, DUBS Miri chairman Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) vice-president (trade and investments) James Chan and 50 Bumiputera oil and gas contractors. — DayakDaily
