Oil and gas companies in Malaysia are those engaged in the exploration, extraction, refining, and distribution of petroleum and natural gas. These firms operate across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors, that support national energy security and economic development. Malaysia is a major regional producer, with production averaging around 660,000 barrels of liquids per day, alongside substantial natural gas output . The sector comprises more than 3,500 enterprises, including domestic and international players involved in fields, services, and infrastructure.
Oil and gas (O&G) companies in Malaysia contribute significantly to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), employment, and energy security. These companies operate both onshore and offshore, with Malaysia’s abundant petroleum and natural gas reserves to meet domestic energy demands. Malaysia is a key player the global energy market through its position as one of the world’s top exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with major export facilities located in Bintulu, Sarawak.
O&G Companies in Malaysia
How Many Oil and Gas Companies Are There in Malaysia?
According to industry sources and government estimates, over 3,500 companies, both local and international, operate across Malaysia’s oil and gas value chain, including exploration, production, services, and equipment manufacturing. This ecosystem comprises major multinational oil firms, national entities, and hundreds of service and equipment providers.
Numerous SMEs offer specialized drilling, engineering, logistics, and maintenance services, forming the backbone of offshore and onshore operations. For example, the Malaysian Oil & Gas Services Council highlights the country’s growing local capabilities that extend to marine engineering, fabrication, and operations & maintenance support.
Who is the Leading Oil & Gas Industry In Malaysia?
The leading oil and gas company in Malaysia is Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), the state-owned national oil and gas entity. Established under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, PETRONAS holds exclusive ownership of and rights to explore and exploit all petroleum resources in Malaysia, both onshore and offshore.
PETRONAS operates as a fully integrated energy corporation, covering upstream activities (exploration and production), midstream operations, downstream refining, marketing, and petrochemicals. Its presence extends beyond Malaysia; it has activities or marketing offices in over 30 countries and operates globally in more than 50 countries.
What is the List of Top Oil and Gas Companies in Malaysia?
Malaysia’s oil and gas (O&G) sector is led by a mix of national, international, and independent companies operating across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. The following is a non-exhaustive list of notable O&G companies operating in Malaysia:
- Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) – The state-owned integrated oil and gas company, dominating both upstream and downstream sectors.
- Shell Malaysia – Operates in upstream exploration and downstream refining and fuel retailing.
- ExxonMobil Malaysia – Active in offshore exploration and production.
- Sapura Energy Berhad – Provides engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) and drilling services.
- Dialog Group Berhad – Specializes in terminal infrastructure, storage, and oilfield services.
- Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad – Malaysia’s first listed independent oil and gas exploration and production company.
- Serba Dinamik Holdings Berhad – Previously involved in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
- Hengyuan Refining Company Berhad – Operates a major refining facility in Port Dickson.
- Deleum Berhad – Offers integrated oilfield services including turbine maintenance.
- Dayang Enterprise Holdings Berhad – Focuses on offshore platform maintenance and support services.
- BHP Petroleum (Malaysia) – Engaged in upstream oil and gas operations, especially offshore Sabah.
- Murphy Oil Corporation – Involved in offshore exploration in Malaysian waters.
- Hess Corporation – Operates in upstream oil and gas development.
- ConocoPhillips Malaysia – Focuses on upstream exploration.
- Nippon Oil Malaysia – Engaged in offshore drilling and exploration activities.
- Talisman Energy (now part of Repsol) – Historically active in Malaysia’s upstream segment.
- Caltex Oil Malaysia – Operates downstream fuel distribution and retail.
- Bumi Armada Berhad – Provides offshore support services and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) systems.
- MISC Berhad – A global energy shipping company, primarily transporting LNG and petroleum.
- UMW Oil & Gas Corporation Berhad – Focuses on offshore drilling and related services.
- Coastal Contracts Berhad – Supplies offshore marine vessels and services.
- KNM Group Berhad – Manufacturer of process equipment for refineries and petrochemical plants.
- Tanjung Offshore Berhad – Provides integrated oilfield services and solutions.
- Wah Seong Corporation Berhad – Specializes in pipeline coating and engineering services.
- Perdana Petroleum Berhad – Offers marine support services for offshore operations.
- TH Heavy Engineering Berhad – Involved in fabrication of offshore platforms and modules.
- Barakah Offshore Petroleum Berhad – Specializes in pipeline installation and maintenance.
- Alam Maritim Resources Berhad – Offers marine support and subsea services.
- Sumatec Resources Berhad – Was involved in oil exploration and production.
- Icon Offshore Berhad – Supplies vessels for offshore transport and logistics.
- Petra Energy Berhad – Provides integrated brownfield services and maintenance.
Below is the list of oil and gas companies by category:
| Category | Company |
|---|---|
| National Oil Company | Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) |
| International Majors | Shell Malaysia |
| International Majors | ExxonMobil Malaysia |
| Local Upstream | Sapura Energy Berhad |
| Local Integrated Services | Dialog Group Berhad |
| Local E&P | Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad |
| Local Services | Serba Dinamik Holdings Berhad |
| Local Refining | Hengyuan Refining Company Berhad |
| Local Services | Deleum Berhad |
| Local Services | Dayang Enterprise Holdings Berhad |
| International Upstream | BHP Petroleum (Malaysia) |
| International Upstream | Murphy Oil Corporation |
| International Upstream | Hess Corporation |
| International Upstream | ConocoPhillips Malaysia |
| International Upstream | Nippon Oil Malaysia |
| Former International (Now Repsol) | Talisman Energy (Repsol) |
| Downstream Fuel Retail | Caltex Oil Malaysia |
| Local Marine/FPSO | Bumi Armada Berhad |
| LNG Shipping | MISC Berhad |
| Local Drilling | UMW Oil & Gas Corporation Berhad |
| Local Marine Support | Coastal Contracts Berhad |
| Local Equipment Manufacturing | KNM Group Berhad |
| Local Integrated Services | Tanjung Offshore Berhad |
| Local Engineering & Coating | Wah Seong Corporation Berhad |
| Local Marine Support | Perdana Petroleum Berhad |
| Local Fabrication | TH Heavy Engineering Berhad |
| Local Pipeline Services | Barakah Offshore Petroleum Berhad |
| Local Marine/Subsea | Alam Maritim Resources Berhad |
| Local E&P | Sumatec Resources Berhad |
| Local Marine Support | Icon Offshore Berhad |
| Local Maintenance | Petra Energy Berhad |
What Are The Activities Of Oil And Gas Companies In Malaysia?
Oil and gas companies in Malaysia engage in the entire industry value chain, including upstream, midstream and downstream. In the upstream sector, companies focus on exploration and production, utilizing advanced technologies to discover and extract oil and gas reserves from both onshore and offshore locations. This includes seismic surveys, drilling operations, and the development of production facilities.
In the midstream and downstream sectors, activities encompass the transportation of crude oil and natural gas, refining processes to produce various petroleum products and the manufacturing of petrochemicals. Companies are also involved in natural gas liquefaction for export, distributing and marketing petroleum products, and retail operations.
Many firms are increasingly investing in research and development, enhancing operational efficiency, developing sustainable practices, and exploring alternative energy sources as part of the global energy transition.
Are Oilfield Services Companies Considered Oil And Gas Companies?
Oilfield services companies are considered part of the oil and gas industry but occupy a distinct segment. These oilfield services companies provide specialized services and equipment to support the operations of exploration and production (E&P) companies, which are more directly involved in extracting oil and gas resources.
While oilfield services companies don’t own oil and gas reserves or produce hydrocarbons, they enable the sector’s core activities. Their services are important for the exploration, drilling, completion, and production processes that E&P companies undertake. Oilfield services firms are part of the oil and gas value chain and are heavily influenced by the industry’s overall health and activity levels.
How Does the Upstream Sector Function in Malaysia?
The upstream segment in Malaysia covers exploration and production activities for crude oil and natural gas. Production metrics indicate an average output of approximately 660,000 barrels of oil per day and natural gas volumes around 7 billion cubic feet per day. Offshore fields such as Gumusut-Kakap and Kikeh are significant contributors. Operating licenses and field development plans are regulated by Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM) under national policy.
How Does The Midstream Sector Function?
The midstream sector includes transportation, storage, and processing of oil and gas. The country maintains an extensive network of pipelines, operated by a national gas transport entity, along with liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants, which place Malaysia among the world’s top LNG exporters. Offshore logistics are supported by Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units stationed above key offshore fields.
How Is the Downstream Sector Structured?
The downstream industry includes refining, processing, and retailing petroleum products. Malaysia operates approximately eight refineries with a combined refining capacity of more than 635,000 barrels per day, including national and international assets. The petrochemical industry further adds value by converting basic feedstocks into products like ethylene and polypropylene, serving both domestic and export markets.
What Are the Key Regulatory Bodies Governing the Industry?
Upstream licensing and resource management fall under Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM). Operational health and safety are overseen by DOSH, while environmental standards—such as emissions and marine protection—are regulated by the Department of Environment (DOE). The sector largely operates under Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) between the national petroleum agency and private or international operators.
How Does Malaysia’s Oil and Gas Industry Impact the Economy?
The oil and gas sector remains vital to Malaysia’s economy, contributing around 6% of GDP and accounting for approximately 16–20% of exports. Production-generated revenues are a major source of federal income, while the industry employs over 200,000 professionals across upstream, midstream, downstream, and support services .
What Are the Challenges Facing the O&G Industry?
Aging reserves in mature fields are driving a search for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, while environmental regulations—particularly around emissions and flaring—pose additional operational hurdles. The sector also faces exposure to fluctuations in global oil prices, which affect planning and investment.
Where Can Professionals Find Opportunities in This Industry?
Skilled workers in engineering, geology, and project management are in high demand. Platforms like Majikan.my list vacancies from upstream explorers to downstream retailers, offering career pathways in one of Malaysia’s most vital industries.