KOTA KINABALU – Sabah has urged Shell Malaysia to rethink plans to downsize its operations in the state, with Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin highlighting the impact such a move will have on workers.
“Shell should have worked with the state government to keep the state economy balanced,” said the deputy chief minister in a statement today.
“The oil company should not be thinking just about reaping profits, and leave a friend when times are hard.”
The state works minister said Shell has brought numerous economic benefits to Sabah via its upstream and downstream activities.
He called on the company to stand together with the state government in the fight against Covid-19 instead of making plans to save itself in these difficult times.
Last week, Sarawak Assistant Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting said he is all for Shell’s plan to set up a new office in Miri.
He said he was informed by a source that the firm’s proposed operations there will employ at least 1,000 people, with some to be transferred from other regional offices.
“This is great news for Miri, which has been a key oil and gas hub since 1910.
“We welcome the plan for the relocation and expansion of Shell’s Miri office, which should boost the population and spending power of Miri folk, bringing about another round of economic growth for the city.
“Obviously, supporting industries and the local employment market will benefit tremendously.”
Free Malaysia Today earlier today reported that Shell has confirmed in an email that it will reduce its office footprint in Kota Kinabalu, but stressed that Sabah remains an important state to the company.
The oil giant currently operates at the 14-storey Shell Plaza here, with some 200 staff occupying four floors. It explores the Gumusut-Kakap and Malikai deepwater oilfields, producing some 220,000 barrels a day. – The Vibes, October 23, 2020
