MALAYSIA is emerging as a key player in the global gas industry with exploration activities in Turkmenistan’s Block 9 and Block 10, located near some of the world’s largest gas reserves, expected to begin as early as December.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the development represented significant progress for Malaysia, particularly for Petronas, after Turkmenistan granted the national oil company rights to undertake exploration activities in the strategic gas fields.
He said information received from Petronas indicated that exploration work would commence much earlier than the usual timeline expected for projects of this scale.
"Turkmenistan is very good news for Malaysia, especially for Petronas, because it has given us access to manage exploration in one of the largest gas reserves in the world.
"Based on Petronas' statement yesterday, exploration and drilling activities in the major gas reserves of Block 9 and Block 10 are expected to begin this December.
"This is among the fastest timelines ever achieved. Usually, the expectation is between one and a half years and two years before operations can begin. We can now start in December," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
Anwar was responding to Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu), who asked the government to explain its assessment of the impact of prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz on Malaysia’s political and economic stability, as well as measures being taken to reduce potential risks.
The Prime Minister said the Turkmenistan opportunity would enhance Malaysia’s standing in the global energy industry by allowing the country to participate in the development of one of the world’s largest gas resources.
"This will position Malaysia among the countries managing some of the largest gas resources in the world," he said.
Anwar had previously stated that Malaysia could gain access to a major gas exploration zone through negotiations between Petronas and Turkmenistan.
He said the opportunity was strategically important for the country and required his direct involvement as Prime Minister during discussions and the process of securing the agreement with the Turkmenistan government.
According to Anwar, the official visit and negotiations could not be delegated to other representatives as his presence was a key factor in ensuring Petronas obtained the rights to operate the gas fields.
He said the agreement represented a significant milestone for Malaysia’s energy sector and would contribute towards strengthening national energy security, expanding international energy partnerships and enhancing Petronas’ role in the global gas market. - July 14, 2026
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