KOTA KINABALU: Sabahan oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) companies are important drivers of economic growth in the state, said Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

He said the state government was empowering local businesses to seize the immense opportunities within their reach.

“This is not just a forecast, it’s a call to action. To succeed, Sabahan companies must rise to the challenge by meeting Petronas’ stringent standards.

“Companies need to forge strategic partnerships to unlock new capabilities and experiences.”

He said this at the unveiling of the Kinabalu Activity Outlook 2025-2027 here recently.

In the past year, contracts awarded to Sabahan businesses surged from RM613 million in 2021 to more than RM2 billion in 2024.

The Sabah government and Petronas have set ambitious targets for 2025-2027.

They include achieving a 50 to 100 per cent increase in local jobs awarded to Sabahan companies and a 50 to 100 per cent increase in the number of contracts awarded to Sabah OGSE companies.

Petronas group procurement vice-president Rahsidah Alias said it was important for Petronas and the state government to have a sustainable partnership.

“Petronas is fully committed to supporting the growth and development of Sabah’s OGSE sector.

“By working together, we can create a thriving and sustainable industry that benefits all Sabahans.”