On 30 October 2024, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) celebrated its seventh anniversary with an event officiated by the Premier of Sarawak YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg that highlighted its accomplishments in its commitment to harnessing Sarawak’s resources to ensure sustainable advancement.
Incorporated in July 2017, the State-owned company was established on the basis of enabling Sarawak to better manage and utilise its oil and gas so that its people can truly reap the benefits of its abundant natural resources, especially improvements in infrastructure and quality of life.
Since then, it has grown to become one of the largest oil and gas equity producers in Malaysia that has been instrumental in driving Sarawak’s socio-economic development – an integrated player across the sector’s value chain.
While it reflects on how far it has progressed, PETROS is eager to maintain its momentum towards its path of innovation, teamwork and determination in the future.
Seizing Upstream and Downstream Opportunities
Much of PETROS’s growth so far derives from its upstream and downstream activities. Its efforts to reinvigorate oil and gas exploration, for example, is evident with its role as the Onshore Exploration and Production Regulator for the SK433 Block where it is promoting early commercialisation of onshore discoveries in Sarawak.
Of late, PETROS’s appointment as the sole gas aggregator effective 1 February 2024 has been a crucial strategy in ensuring Sarawak’s economic empowerment.
It gives the company the authority to manage natural gas procurement and distribution in the State, thus safeguarding its energy supply.
To ensure Sarawak’s continuous hold on its natural gas, the Sarawak Gas Roadmap has been developed and launched, under which PETROS is to enhance gas accessibility across the State through four strategic hubs – Miri, Bintulu, Samalaju and Kuching – that will serve as central distribution points, promoting affordable gas to the people including those living in remote areas.
Additionally, the company has been expanding domestic gas distribution infrastructure in Miri since 2023, beginning with the provision of reliable and affordable piped natural gas to 115 traders at Medan Saberkas.
It is presently in the midst of doing the same for lower income households in Quadruplex Taman Ceria in Permyjaya. Carried out in phases, the project is expected to benefit over 3,000 households in Permyjaya upon its full implementation.
As it marches towards the future, PETROS is making substantial investments to power Sarawak’s energy prospects, including a RM100 million investment in the Gas to Bintulu initiative, as well as a RM1 billion allocation to the Samalaju Pipeline project.
Also in the works is the Kuching Low-Carbon Gas Hub, an initiative set to supply natural gas to Kuching, establish world-class carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure and facilitate offshore gas exploration in Western Sarawak.
“The Kuching Low-Carbon Gas Hub, complemented by critical infrastructure such as a new deep-sea port, is positioned to attract investments of up to RM200 billion into Sarawak,” said the Premier during the anniversary event.
Strengthening Industrial Capability
Investments by PETROS is not limited to Sarawak’s natural resources and infrastructure.
It has been carrying out efforts to enhance the lives of Sarawakians through community engagement, such as healthcare contributions and sponsorships to social initiatives including heritage activities, charities and educational programmes.
PETROS is especially committed towards the long-term strategy of the Sarawak Government of nurturing a resilient, future-ready workforce for the State.
This is apparent with its Industrial Capability initiatives, which focus on educational and career development of young Sarawakians to boost their employability, especially in the oil and gas sector.
One of these initiatives is the Train and Place programme, which offers practical training and generates employment opportunities for local talents.
Participants will be able to attend industry-oriented, entry-level training in trade skills including basic scaffolding, mechanical fitting, painting and blasting, and welding. They will then be matched with job placements through industry partners upon completion – a measure that allows easy transition between education and career.
To ensure that the programme is accessible to as many youths as possible, PETROS collaborates with prospective industry employers to cover training costs, providing at least 12 months of employment for those who succeed.
“Through collaborations with leading training providers and industry partners, the Train and Place programme ensures that young Sarawakians gain the competencies needed to secure employment and thrive in the dynamic oil and gas, and energy sectors,” said the Premier.
References:
Jude, T. (2024a, October 31). Petros to launch Industrial Capability initiative to boost grads employability in S’wak. Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/10/31/petros-to-launch-industrial-capability-initiative-to-boost-grads-employability-in-swak/
Jude, t. (2024b, October 31). Up to RM200 bln investments projected for Kuching Low-Carbon Gas Hub, says Premier. Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2024/10/31/up-to-rm200-bln-investments-projected-for-kuching-low-carbon-gas-hub-says-premier/
Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS). (2023). PETROS Sustainability Report 2022/2023 [E-book]. https://www.petroleumsarawak.com/news-media/media-centre/publications
Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS). (2024, October 30). PETROS Marks 7 Years of Development and Progress in Sarawak. https://www.petroleumsarawak.com/news-media/media-centre/press-releases/2024/30-oct-2024-petros-marks-7-years-of-development-and-progress-in-sarawak
Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak. (2024, October 30). SIARAN LANGSUNG 30 OKTOBER 2024 : PETROS DAY CLOSING CEREMONY [Video]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/100064627662334/videos/2970388563129512
