MIRI: The issuance of the oil mining leases to Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) to two oil blocks — Adong Kecil West in Miri and the Engkabang area south of Marudi — will benefit not only in the oil and gas (O&G) sector but also the economic sector.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said through Petros, the state can carry out onshore mining of O&G.
“In addition, Shell has made the decision to relocate their regional office to Miri which will bring economic benefits in Miri,” he said during a dinner organised by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Miri last Sunday.
He added Shell’s new office in the city would accommodate 2,000 employees and this does not include the contractors.
“With all these positive developments, I believe Miri will have a bright future because after the city has been a key oil and gas hub since 1910,” he said.
He also said the state government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is committed to reinforce the state’s right on O&G.
“Just recently, we have achieved a commercial settlement agreement between the Sarawak government and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).
“It was a difficult negotiation but we were glad we are able to discuss and come to an agreement,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who was also involved in the negotiations, said he was happy that Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin understood what the state has been fighting for and that is to restore its rights on oil and gas.
Meanwhile, more than 70 members from PBB Miri comprising PBB Pujut, Piasau and Senadin branches including veteran members attended the dinner.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Rosey Yunus; Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni; PBB Piasau branch chairman Councillor Sardon Zainal; PBB Senadin branch chairman Councillor Julaihi Mohamad; PBB Pujut Women chief Councillor Warzieda Ahmad and the event’s organising chairman cum political secretary to the chief minister Sarkawi Suhaili.
