Lee (third left), flanked by Yii (front, fourth left) and Manabu, joins others in a photo-call taken after the soft launch of JX Nippon O&G Exploration Malaysia Ltd MLO.
MIRI: The oil and gas (O&G) industry players should consider investing continuously into their workforce through training and retraining, in view of today’s challenging landscape.
In this regard, Minister of Transport Datuk Lee Kim Shin believes that the economic prospects in Miri as far as O&G is concerned are ‘looking brighter’, with tens of millions of ringgit worth of investments being injected into projects.
As such, he sees the need to revitalise the industry, where there is a high demand for workforce.
“Miri is a city founded by the O&G industry, generated over four generations of experienced workers in the field and thus, it deserves recognition especially as a leader in this industry.
“That being said, the industry players need to work with stakeholders in the industry, including Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Bhd).
“Miri is the birthplace of the O&G industry in Malaysia, in 1910. We have many years of experience and expertise in doing related works; thus, it is natural for Sarawakians to be recognised for its business and employment opportunities in the industry,” he spoke at the soft opening of JX Nippon Oil and Gas Exploration (Malaysia) Ltd Miri Logistics Office (MLO), at Miri Times Square here yesterday.
JX Nippon O&G Exploration Malaysia Ltd has been in the country for over 30 years. It has been awarded with the offshore PSC Block SK10 in Sarawak waters, 70km northwest off Miri.
In his remarks, the company’s Kuala Lumpur office managing director Manabu Doi said the Miri division was established in late 2003, with their Helang Integrated Platform running gas exports to MLNG Tiga in Bintulu.
“Since then, we have been operating the offshore gas fields in a safe and stable manner, and we achieved a milestone of cumulative gas production reaching 1.5 trillion standard cubic feet very recently – this was enabled by the strong support from the government authorities and the local communities as well as our many business partners in Sarawak.
“As our business becomes more expanded and more complex, we have decided to re-organise the corporate structure in Malaysi, and this new MLO is a part of this re-organisation aiming for more effective, flexible and efficient support to our field operations.
“Miri is the most important gateway for our SK10 offshore operation. The mobilisation/demobilisation of our offshore crew and staff of service providers, and the send-over of urgent materials and emergency Medivac, shall be handled appropriately and controlled by this MLO,” said Manabu, adding that this year, JX Nippon O&G Exploration Malaysia would be planning an exploration well-drilling in the SK10 area.
Miri Mayor Adam Yii was also present to witness the ceremony yesterday.