KUCHING: Sarawak Petroleum Contractors Association (SPECA) has called on Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) to take up stakes in ventures related to the recent discovery of gas off Balingian be they via contract sharing or non-operating ventures.

“The last two years have seen the findings of Jerun and Lang Lebah. Maybe it is time for PETROS to start on offshore E&P (exploration and production),” said SPECA president Datuk Rahman Lariwoo when contacted on Saturday (Jan 8).

“With new technology, the chances of finding new reserves are great.”

He was commenting on the recent discovery of gas made by Petronas subsidiary, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB), at the Hadrah-1 wildcat exploration well of Block SK411 located in the waters of Balingian.

“Congratulations to Petronas. Of course, if the field is in production, it will bring good revenue to the Sarawak government,” he said.

He also hoped that local skilled workers and contractors would be given priority under the Sarawak First policy.

“We need to have our own supply base. It would not bring much benefit if we still use Labuan. Sarawak has lost millions to Labuan every day.

“We do need a training institution by Petronas, like what they have done in Terengganu, or an oil and gas (O&G) university like what they have in Perak,” he said.

Rahman also said SPECA had embarked on several developments, indicating the association’s commitment towards supporting the O&G industry.

Meanwhile, SPECA vice-president Datuk Ir Janang Bungsu also lauded the gas discovery as great news for Sarawak and hoped it would spur a good start for the state.

“This is what we hope for. SPECA wishes to be involved actively in the exploitation from inception until production as we believe our members are capable and qualified to execute the works.

“Give us an opportunity to be involved. Hence, this will have an economic spin-off for Sarawak,” he said.

He hoped the new gas discovery would open a new sector especially at the coastal area of Balingian and the entire Mukah Division.

“Hopefully, our own O&G company PETROS will be able to play a more important role in this new venture,” Janang said, confident such involvement would have Sarawak and Sarawakians’ interest at heart.