Malaysia Petroleum Management
PETRONAS and Sabah Launch 10-Year Plan to Rejuvenate Marine Ecosystems
PETRONAS, through Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Jabatan Perikanan Sabah to launch a 10-year Sabah Reefing Plan. This initiative aims to conserve and rejuvenate marine ecosystems in Sabah.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong, Permanent Secretary of Sabah’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, and Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President of MPM. Also present were representatives from PETRONAS, as well as Sabah State officials, underscoring a shared commitment to positively impact both the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of the people of Sabah.
Transforming Oil and Gas Platforms into Artificial Reefs
Under the Sabah Reefing Plan, six oil and gas platforms have been identified for conversion into artificial reefs over the next decade, alongside potential reefing locations. This initiative aims to enhance marine biodiversity and stimulate the growth of related industries, providing economic benefits to surrounding communities.
These conversions are part of the larger "Rigs-to-Reef" (R2R) initiative, which focuses on repurposing decommissioned oil and gas platforms into ecological habitats. By transforming these industrial structures into artificial reefs, the R2R initiative supports marine life restoration and aligns with the region’s environmental sustainability goals.
The R2R initiative has been scientifically proven to restore, create, and enhance marine habitats, thereby boosting marine biodiversity. The surveillance dive of reefed structures at Pulau Kapas in 2021, led by the Department of Fisheries (DOF), observed a 30 per cent increase in fish species in the area, and an average 10 per cent annual growth in fish food sources. Similar positive impacts are anticipated for other R2R structures already deployed and planned for deployment.
Fostering State and National Development
Speaking at the ceremony, Handan Ramli, MPM’s Head of Production & Operations Management, emphasised the importance of collaboration between PETRONAS and the Sabah state government. He expressed optimism, noting that previous R2R deployments have yielded promising results.
“Support from Jabatan Perikanan Sabah and the State Government has been instrumental in PETRONAS’ efforts to conserve and rejuvenate marine ecosystems in Sabah. Given the achievements of our previous R2R projects, we are optimistic that the Sabah Reefing Plan will have a positive impact on the state.”
Through this partnership and ongoing R2R efforts, PETRONAS is committed in turning industrial sites into thriving ecosystems, fostering both environmental sustainability and economic development in the region.
Commitment to Sustainable Energy and Environmental Stewardship
As a responsible energy player, PETRONAS remains committed to ensuring an optimal and sustainable supply of oil and gas to secure the nation’s energy needs. At the same time, the company is actively pursuing efforts to achieve lower-carbon, low-emission operations in line with its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Through initiatives such as the Sabah Reefing Plan, PETRONAS demonstrates its dedication to environmental conservation, and the long-term prosperity of communities in Sabah. This collaboration is a testament to the company's mission of creating shared value while protecting the environment for future generations.
