KUALA LUMPUR (April 2): The Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC) said national oil company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) should prioritise awarding contracts to qualified companies with local capabilities to ensure that the overall ecosystem in Malaysia gains from such awards, creating multiplier effects that benefit the nation.

In a statement on Monday, the council further urged Petronas to realign the oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) ecosystem through its licensing and registration, and ensure companies that had gained reasonable track records and invested in the segment to be given proper consideration.

“This is an ongoing initiative and we are following through consistently,” it said.

The council further urged Petronas to encourage consortiums or partnerships with foreign entities to be awarded any contract that is beyond local companies’ capability so that local companies can benefit from technology transfer and gain the necessary expertise and experience.

MOGSC said the OGSE segment in Malaysia has 50 years of track record in supporting Petronas in nation-building through the oil and gas industry.

“We have built a resilient, competitive and sustainable ecosystem that will continue to support Petronas to move forward while navigating its energy transition agenda.

“It is paramount for Petronas to continue nurturing capacity and capability to ensure local OGSE players prosper domestically and internationally,” it said.