Hajiji Leads Sabah to Stake Natural Gas Resources

“My aspiration is for Sabah to stake its rightful claims and chart a path that benefits Sabahans and its future generations. We will keep striving for equitable development to ensure that there will be ample opportunity for Sabahans to develop and that they will enjoy tangible benefits from the efforts undertaken." - Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, 04 January 2022, at the launching of the Sabah Gas Masterplan, Menara Petronas 2, Kota Kinabalu.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has continuously strived for greater stakes of Sabah’s energy and gas resources. Recall that in December 2021, Hajiji has led Sabah to a historical moment when Sabah and Petronas signed the Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA), an unprecedented achievement, which has given Sabah a 50% stake in the Samarang Oil Field; 25% in SAMUR; and 25% in ZLNG. Then in January 2022, Hajiji launched the Sabah Gas Masterplan, a collaboration between the State Government and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS), to guide investments in Sabah's natural gas resources.

The Masterplan involves three investment initiatives for Sabah’s natural gas industry, that is, the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant with a capacity of 2.0 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP); gas marketing and distribution in Sabah, with 120 MMscfd volume of gas for the development of key industries in the state; petrochemical derivative options to attract investors; and more natural gas exploration activities for Sabah.

From these opportunities, Hajiji has paved the way for Sabah to other explore other potentials including the creation of value-adding petrochemical downstream development, and human capital development in the oil and gas, manufacturing and construction industries.