KUCHING: The Sarawak Petroleum Contractor Association (SPECA) has called on local oil and gas industry contractors to be prepared to seize various opportunities following the discovery of six fields in five blocks of oil in Sarawak waters by Petronas.
SPECA president Datuk Rahman Lariwoo said the discovery would further boost upstream and downstream oil and gas activities in Sarawak.
“This will provide employment opportunities and contracts to the people of Sarawak.
“However, the development of the blocks will take several years. Currently being developed is the Rosmari-Marjoram block, Jerun and Lebah, at a cost of about RM20 billion.
“The contractors and the people of Sarawak should be prepared for this overflow,” he said at a press conference after the SPECA 2023 Annual General Meeting at the association’s office recently.
In addition, he said, the involvement of the Sarawak government in the blue ammonia gas production project in Bintulu also promised many opportunities for local contractors.
According to Rahman, the project worth around RM6 billion will also create many job opportunities for Sarawakians.
In this regard, he praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership in transforming Sarawak into an advanced state not only in Malaysia but also Asean in sustainable energy such as hydrogen, sustainable aviation flight (SAF) fuel, and carbon storage, among others.
“The Sarawak government’s decision to diversify is accurate … dependence on one product is risky as the price of a product will fluctuate according to market demand.
“Looking forward, the contractors in Sarawak need to be prepared in terms of ability and expertise as the Premier’s initiatives are new to us.
“If we are left behind, all these opportunities will be taken by others,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rahman expressed his gratitude to the SPECA exco after unanimously appointing him to continue as president for the period of 2023-2026.
The election also saw six new faces introduced, Datuk Polit Hamzah (Vice President 1), Hamzah Ismail (Vice President 2) and four committee members Mazaitul Iqmal Zainal, Liew Chung Wei, Fahrol Annuar and Asnan Mawardi Anuar.
The incumbents are are Ahmad Sazali Anuar (Secretary), Arif Haqeem (Executive Secretary), Gajalie Sazalie (Treasurer), Ir. Talhah @ Talha Affendi, Ir. Hafisz Rachman Drahman, Lau Tiew Kung and Liaw Soon Loo (AJK).
