Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah government’s hopes that the oil and gas industry creates more jobs to reduce Sabah’s unemployment rate is boosted by companies like Petroventure Energy Sdn Bhd.
The Department of Industrial Development & Research (DIDR) “Kerjaya Industri Sabah 2025” at the International Technology & Commercial Centre (ITCC), Penampang, from Nov 14 to 16 saw the active participation and contribution by oil and gas firms like Petroventure Energy besides many others.
Its CEO Dr. Mohd Sham said, “This marks another important step in our company’s ongoing efforts to engage with local talent and support the development of Sabah’s human capital.”The event brought together employers from various sectors and job seekers looking for opportunities within the state’s growing industries.
“Our company’s participation is also to identify skilled and motivated candidates, and strengthen our recruitment pipeline in line with the company’s development plans.
We interacted with job seekers from diverse technical, vocational, and professional backgrounds, providing insights into available roles and future career prospects within the company.
“We extend our appreciation to DIDR for organising the programme and for providing an avenue that supports collaboration between employers and job seekers. We continue to strengthen our position within the energy sector and remains committed to nurturing local talent, enhancing employment opportunities, and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable workforce development in Sabah.”Recently, Petroventure Energy convened an important stakeholder engagement meeting to discuss the company’s activities at Lot 2.4, Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP), as part of site preparation for its Petroleum Oil Storage and Refinery Plant project.
Facilitated by Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corporation Sdn Bhd, Petroventure Energy Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mohd Sham bin Hj Mohd Yasin, chaired the meeting with a briefing by Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Benedick Bisoni. During the briefing, Petroventure Energy disclosed that blasting activities were to commence in December 2025 and will span a duration of approximately 18 months.
The company is currently in the process of securing approvals from the Department of Environment (EIA), the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Sabah, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the Sipitang District Office, Sipitang District Council, and other relevant agencies.
The session was attended by the Sipitang District Chief, several village heads from communities surrounding SOGIP, representatives from Petronas SAMUR and Petronas ZLNG, as well as project consultants, environmental consultants, and blasting consultants.
Petroventure Energy also highlighted that the project is expected to create 4,000 job opportunities — with about 3,000 workers required during the construction phase and an additional 1,000 jobs once operations commence.
Beyond direct employment, the project is anticipated to generate significant revenue for the State of Sabah and provide extensive spinoff benefits for related industries, particularly in the petrochemical sector.
Dr. Mohd Sham assured stakeholders that Petroventure Energy is committed to adhering to regulatory requirements and implementing best practices to ensure safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development throughout the project’s execution.
