LABUAN: Oil and Gas (O&G) related industries are proving a boon for Labuan in making it an attractive destination for investors.
With more than 120 local and international O&G players operating on the island, the sector will be developed further, says Federal Territories Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
He said to realise the objective, Labuan as an O&G hub, the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Labuan campus had introduced a O&G preparatory programme.
The programme, he added, is preparation towards pursuing the newly-introduced Bachelor in Oil and Gas degree programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International College (UMSKAL), in collaboration with Petronas.
The first intake of students commenced in February this year.
According to Tengku Adnan, the island, elevated to one of the federal territories since 1984, has progressed well.
“Labuan has what it takes in terms of economic advantages.
It has potential in tourism and O&G related industries.
“This has given confidence to the government in ensuring the resources and advantages are fully exploited for investors,” he said at the launch of the Federal Territory Day 2015 here.
He was representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the event.
“With the existing tourist attractions, efforts for the creation of more value-added icons will continue in turning Labuan into a premier tourist destination, thus generating revenue and an economic spillover for the people.
“The government is serious about making Labuan an attractive destination due to its resources and diversification of the economic sector,” he said.
Tengku Adnan said the improved tourism sector comprising domestic and foreign arrivals, recorded an increase of 47 per cent over the last five years, and required a serious focus to further develop
it.
He said the significant increase was last year with 1.04 million tourists visiting the island.
“Among the visitors, 85,000 were from 121 countries, including the UK, China and Australia.
“We want to see this positive development continue and government efforts and initiatives will be in place to maintain the momentum,” he added. — Bernama