MIRI: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and PETRA Energy Berhad (PETRA) have announce the commencement of their first onshore drilling at the SK433 block in Miri.
This marks a significant milestone for the inaugural Onshore Petroleum Contract that was awarded in July 2021 to PETROS under the Sarawak Oil Mining Ordinance 1958.
An event commemorating this historic milestone was held on Wednesday (Oct 11) at Miri’s Oil Well No. 1 on Canada Hill, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari signing the plaque.
He was accompanied by PETROS chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo, PETRA execute director and Group CEO Dato Anthony Firdauz Bujang as well as management and staff.
The drilling at SK433 is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication and expertise in bringing the project to life.
The project employs about 75 per cent of Sarawakians and this is expected to increase as operations pick up.
Block SK433 covers an area of approximately 3,100 square km in the northern region of Sarawak and includes the discovered Adong Kechil West field.
PETROS was incorporated in 2017 to spearhead the state’s participation in the oil and gas sectors, which are considered of strategic importance to the overall socioeconomic development objectives of Sarawak, and Sarawakians.
PETROS has continued to play an active role in building its position and participating in both the Upstream and Downstream sectors of the Oil and Gas industry to create better job opportunities for local talents and attract and retain Sarawakian experts.
Abang Johari (fourth from left), Hamid (on Abang Johari’s right), Awang Tengah (third from right) at the ceremony.
PETRA is a Sarawak-owned company that began in Miri 35 years ago. This milestone drilling enhances energy production capabilities and contributes to local employment and socioeconomic growth.
PETRA aims to align operations with its HSE and sustainability targets.
“Today is a significant moment for Sarawak as we commemorate the first onshore drilling after a lull of over 30 years. This is a testament of PETROS’ commitment to rejuvenate exploration onshore Sarawak and drive early commercialisation of onshore oil and gas discoveries to spur socioeconomic growth of Sarawak,” PETROS Group CEO Janin Girie said.
Anthony, in his remarks, said, “As we embark on this journey together with our partner PETROS, we do so with a profound sense of responsibility, recognising the trust that has been placed in us by the people of Sarawak.
“We pledge to operate with the utmost integrity, adhere to the highest standards of safety and environmental protection and uphold the value of PETRACares.
“This is a pivotal moment not only for PETRA but also for the Miri community. Our operations at SK433 will revitalise the onshore exploration and production of oil and gas and we are motivated to unlock the potential of this field and contribute to energy security.”
He added, “As we progress further, we remain committed to fostering a transparent relationship with all our stakeholders and the community of Miri. We appreciate the support and co-operation we have received thus far and are optimistic about the prospects that fie ahead.”
Meanwhile, Hamid described the drilling as a significant step in encouraging and promoting local players in the industry.
“PETROS is just six years old, and has been tasked by the state government to regulate and nurture the oil and gas sector aligned with Sarawak’s aspiration to become an oil and gas hub. We thank the Premier for guiding us along the way.”
He also revealed that PETROS is currently working on a pilot project to supply an underground gas pipeline to Taman Ceria in Permai Jaya, Miri. The project, once completed, would increase domestic gas utilisation.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, as well as the founder and advisor of OBYU Holdings, Tan Sri Dato Sri Bustari Yusuf.
