PETRONAS' Statement on Sarawak's Work Permit Moratorium

PETRONAS notes with concern the decision by the Sarawak State Government to place a moratorium on all new applications for work permits for PETRONAS’ employees from outside Sarawak to work in the State.

PETRONAS believes the decision, announced over the weekend, may have been made based on the misperception that PETRONAS’ recent group-wide business restructuring had unfairly impacted its employees from Sarawak.  Sarawak remains a key investment State for PETRONAS, where its workforce requirement will continue to grow. PETRONAS expects the majority of the workforce required to meet the new manpower demand will constitute Sarawakians, as per existing recruitment practices. A number of positions is expected to be filled by experienced employees, which may include non-Sarawakians.   

Key to the successful delivery and operations of PETRONAS’ projects in the State is the support and commitment from all relevant parties, most important of whom are PETRONAS’ teams of qualified, trained and dedicated employees – no matter where they are from.  PETRONAS has had a number of engagement and briefings with the Sarawak State Government’s officials at various levels following the restructuring exercise.

PETRONAS will continue with its engagement efforts, including with Deputy Chief Minister Dato’ Sri Douglas Uggah Embas to address the State’s concerns with regards to PETRONAS’ manpower requirement in Sarawak.  PETRONAS, like many other oil and gas companies worldwide, will continue to review its business strategies and manpower requirements for better efficiency and sustainability, to make it more resilient and focused to thrive in the current and future industry landscapes.  

Issued by   

Media Relations Department
Group Strategic Communications 
PETRONAS