Let’s continue to work as partners, Abang Jo tells Shell

KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s commitment to partner with Shell Malaysia to advance the state’s oil and gas industry development.

He said despite Sarawak having its own gas aggregator, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), partnerships are important in managing the state’s rich oil and gas resources.

“Some people are worried. Don’t worry. After all, we are partners. We have the authority on that, which is based on our law.

“What the Sarawak government is doing now, is based on the law which empowers us to participate and manage our resources. But we cannot manage it alone.

“We need Shell, we need Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Bhd), we need PTTEP (PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited), and we need Mubadala Energy.

“Additionally, Shell has been with us since 1910. And we are still partners till today. And the Sarawak government will continue to be a partner in the future” he said during Shell MDS Malaysia’s 30th anniversary celebration sinner and the global launch of Shell GTL Microcrystalline Waxes at Hilton Hotel here, yesterday (July 10).

Abang Johari also highlighted Sarawak’s aim to become an active partner in the oil and gas industry.

“Some people may say that Sarawak is getting involved in too many areas of the industry. For Sarawakians, we don’t just want to observe; we want to participate.

“That is why, when I became your chief minister (now premier), I formed Petros to allow us to be an active partner in the industry,” he added.

He also pointed out that ongoing exploration efforts have led to the discovery of new gas fields, which could lead to various spinoff opportunities.

“Today, we found another gas field. Perhaps tomorrow, or the day after, year after year, we will find more fields.

“This means we are exploring ways to enhance our participation in oil and gas, particularly in gas, because the petrochemical industry depends on gas feedstock.

“The downstream activities create more jobs, just like Shell MDS and Petronas have done,” he added.