KOTA KINABALU: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) will construct a new office tower at Sembulan here.
Senior Vice President of Upstream Malaysia Petronas Datuk Mohd Anuar Taib said work on the RM136.9 million project will begin next month.
“It is part of the long term planning by the company to meet operational and human resources needs.
“In line with the progress of Petronas’ business in Sabah, there is clearly a need to place the operational staff and departments that are ever increasing,” he said at the launch of the project’s construction here today.
He said the 11-storey modern structure was designed to house more than 500 staff and is scheduled for completion in August 2018.
“It is hoped that this project will have a positive impact on the local economic activities, particularly the construction sector, as well as related industries,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the project would be a new and significant landmark in Kota Kinabalu, and at the same time, mirror the confidence of Petronas towards the potential of the oil and gas industry in the state.
“Sabah’s strategic position makes the state an ideal location to render services for exploration and production activities in the Asia Pacific region.
“The state government reognises the vast potential offered by the industry which will help drive economic and social development,” he added.
The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin.
Musa also said the current low global oil prices had done nothing to dampen the focus and commitment towards continuing to strengthen Sabah’s position in the various sectors of industry.
At the same ceremony, Muhibbah Engineering (M) Bhd and KK Dinamik Sdn Bhd signed the contract offered to them for the construction of the tower office project.– BERNAMA