By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 11: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed an evocative name for Block SK433 Adong Kechil West field in Miri—”The Grand New Lady of Sarawak.”
Encompassing an extensive area of approximately 3,100 square kilometres, Block SK433 is situated in the Northern Region of Sarawak, housing the notable Adong Kechil West field.
Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Petra Energy Berhad (Petra) inaugurated their pioneering onshore drilling operations in this block today, marking a momentous milestone in the revival of onshore oil and gas activities in Sarawak.
This revival comes after 113 years since the initial oil discovery at Canada Hill’s Oil Well No. 1.
The Premier graced today’s historic occasion, which took place at the venerable site of Miri’s first oil well, fondly known as “The Grand Old Lady” atop Canada Hill.
“I want to suggest, especially to Miri (City Council) Mayor (Adam Yii) that while this location is renowned as ‘The Grand Old Lady’, perhaps Adong Kechil West field can be named ‘The Grand New Lady of Sarawak’,” he said.
Abang Johari reflected on the fact that over a century has passed since the first oil discovery at Canada Hill, attributed to Shell’s Oil Well No. 1, also known as “The Grand Old Lady”.
The Block SK433 project is the result of the inaugural Onshore Petroleum Contract awarded to Petros in July 2021 under the Sarawak Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO 1958), alongside Block SK334, situated near Limbang and Lawas.
A joint statement by Petros and Petra said the initiation of drilling at SK433 bears testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and expertise in bringing the project to life.
The project’s manpower consists of about 75 per cent Sarawakians who are currently working at the drilling site and the companies are expecting workforce size to increase as operations pick up.
Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Sebastian Ting; Petros chairman Tan Sri Dr Hamid Bugo; Petra Energy Berhad executive director and Group chief executive officer (CEO) Dato Anthony Firdauz Bujang; and OBYU Holdings founder and advisor Tan Sri Bustari Yusuf were among those present. — DayakDaily
