Train young Sabahans to become highly skilled in O&G sector

KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged oil and gas (O&G) industry players to play a role in training more young Sabahans, both at the university level and through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, to address the sector's workforce needs.
Anwar emphasised that such training is vital to ensure that young workers in the O&G sector meet the set standards and requirements, becoming highly skilled workers, thereby reducing mismatches in the industry.
He also called on state and federal government agencies to be more flexible in allowing individuals to enter the field even without formal certificates.
'Let them undergo training and ensure that the training meets the industry's standards and requirements,' he said when officiating the launch ceremony of the RM6.4 billion Phase One Esteel project here, today.
Also present was Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The three-phase project, worth RM31 billion and undertaken by Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park, represents a promising development for Sabah as the state advances in unlocking its full potential.
Anwar stressed the importance of providing appropriate training, including opportunities for young Sabahans to enhance their skills outside the state, before returning as qualified professionals such as engineers or technicians.
For instance, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), the national oil and gas company, is providing comprehensive skills training focused primarily on the sector, the prime minister noted.
'Do not compromise. Think about the future of your students—they will be better prepared to serve the industry,' he added.
Meanwhile, Anwar highlighted that Malaysia's political stability and clarity in economic policies have boosted investor confidence, contributing to the country's success in attracting foreign investment across various sectors.
He also pointed out that the efficiency and transparency of civil servants in executing their duties are important in ensuring there are no bureaucratic obstacles hindering development projects.
'Investors are confident because of political stability, clear policies—especially economic policies—and effective execution at the ground level in project approvals,' he added.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

New Straits Times

4 hours ago

• New Straits Times

PM: Embrace diversity as a strength, not a source of division

KUCHING: Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people. "Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape. "Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. "The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. "The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia," he said. Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Sunday night, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event. Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders. He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. "So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. "And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States," he said. Meanwhile, Anwar also announced that he will meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto this Friday to discuss a proposal for Sarawak to be positioned as a hub for the Asean Power Grid (APG). He said Sarawak, with its strengths in hydroelectric, gas and hydrogen energy, has the potential to spearhead the APG, not only by linking to Sabah and Indonesia's Kalimantan, but also extending to the southern Philippines.

Barnama

4 hours ago

• Barnama

Embrace Diversity As A Strength, Not A Source Of Division

KUCHING, June 22 (Bernama) -- Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people. 'Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape. 'Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia,' he said. Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event. Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders. He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. 'So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States,' he said.

The Sun

5 hours ago

• The Sun

PM aids ailing single mother living in poor conditions

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has presented a contribution to Melah Idris, a single mother living in poverty and suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. The contribution was handed over by the Prime Minister's political secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, when he visited the 63-year-old mother of eight at her home in Kampung Padang, Kuantan. Ahmad Farhan said the senior citizen relied entirely on her children to cover kitchen expenses and utility bills. 'Her house is in a poor condition, with the bedroom floor already rotting and no longer safe to live in. Yet, her face remains calm, as if she keeps all her suffering deep inside so as not to burden anyone. 'On behalf of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, I am presenting a small contribution and will look into the most appropriate form of assistance for her, not only in terms of financial aid but also in ensuring a safer place for her to live,' he said in a Facebook post shared by the Prime Minister today. In the same post, Ahmad Farhan expressed hope that no citizen would be left to suffer in silence without receiving proper assistance.