Oil and Gas Companies in Malaysia

Oil and gas companies in Malaysia are entities engaged in the exploration, extraction, refining, and distribution of petroleum and natural gas resources. These organizations operate across various segments of the energy value chain, from upstream activities like exploration and production to downstream operations such as refining, marketing, and distribution.

These O&G companies contribute to the country’s GDP, employment, and energy security. They operate onshore and offshore, leverage Malaysia’s rich natural resources to meet domestic energy needs, and participate in the global energy market through exports, particularly in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector.

How Many Oil and Gas Companies Are There in Malaysia?

According to various estimates, over 3,000 companies, including local and international companies, operate within different oil and gas value chain sectors. This includes major players such as PETRONAS, Shell Malaysia, and ExxonMobil, along with numerous service providers and equipment manufacturers supporting the industry. The sectors are supported by local SMEs that offer specialized services like drilling, engineering, and logistics.​

Who is the Leading Oil & Gas Industry In Malaysia?

The oil and gas industry in Malaysia is primarily led by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), the national oil company. PETRONAS, wholly owned by the Malaysian government, holds exclusive ownership rights to all oil and gas resources in the country. It operates as an integrated oil and gas company involved in upstream exploration and production, downstream refining and petrochemicals, and other related activities domestically and internationally.

PETRONAS shapes the industry’s landscape, driving innovation and spearheading major projects. Its influence extends beyond Malaysia, with operations in over 50 countries, making it a big player in the global energy market. The company’s leadership is instrumental in guiding the industry’s strategic direction, fostering technological advancements, and ensuring the sustainable development of Malaysia’s hydrocarbon resources.

What is the List of Top Oil and Gas Companies in Malaysia?

Notable oil and gas companies operating in Malaysia include PETRONAS, Shell Malaysia, ExxonMobil Malaysia, Sapura Energy Berhad, Dialog Group Berhad, Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, Serba Dinamik Holdings Berhad, Hengyuan Refining Company Berhad, Deleum Berhad, and Dayang Enterprise Holdings Berhad. This non-exhaustive 30 list represents some key players in the Malaysian oil and gas sector.

1. Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) is Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas giant. It dominates the industry with extensive upstream and downstream operations.
2. Shell Malaysia operates in both upstream and downstream sectors, making it a significant player in the Malaysian oil and gas market.
3. ExxonMobil Malaysia is heavily involved in offshore exploration and production activities in Peninsular Malaysia.
4. BHP Petroleum is known for its involvement in the upstream oil and gas sector, particularly in Sabah.
5. Murphy Oil Corporation focuses on offshore oil and gas exploration in Malaysia.
6. Hess Corporation is involved in upstream operations, specializing in oil and gas exploration.
7. ConocoPhillips Malaysia is involved in oil exploration projects in Malaysia.
8. Nippon Oil Malaysia engages in offshore oil and gas exploration.
9. Newfield Exploration Company was involved in offshore exploration, though its presence has reduced.
10. Talisman Energy (Repsol) previously operated in Malaysia’s upstream sector and is now part of Repsol.
11. Caltex Oil Malaysia operates in the downstream sector and focuses on fuel retail.
12. Dialog Group Berhad is a local oilfield services company involved in infrastructure projects.
13. Sapura Energy Berhad specializes in offshore oilfield services and engineering solutions.
14. Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad is a Malaysian exploration and production company.
15. Bumi Armada Berhad provides offshore marine services, including FPSO systems.
16. MISC Berhad plays a crucial role in LNG transportation.
17. UMW Oil & Gas Corporation Berhad focuses on drilling services in the oil and gas industry.
18. Dayang Enterprise Holdings Berhad provides offshore maintenance and construction services.
19. Coastal Contracts Berhad supplies offshore support vessels and services.
20. KNM Group Berhad manufactures process equipment for the oil and gas sector.
21. Tanjung Offshore Berhad offers engineering and integrated oilfield services.
22. Wah Seong Corporation Berhad specializes in pipe coating and engineering services.
23. Perdana Petroleum Berhad provides marine support services for offshore operations.
24. TH Heavy Engineering Berhad offers fabrication and construction for offshore platforms.
25. Barakah Offshore Petroleum Berhad focuses on pipeline installation and maintenance.
26. Alam Maritim Resources Berhad provides offshore marine services and underwater construction.
27. Sumatec Resources Berhad is involved in oil and gas exploration and production.
28. Icon Offshore Berhad supplies offshore support vessels.
29. Deleum Berhad offers turbine maintenance and repair services for the oil and gas industry.
30. Petra Energy Berhad is engaged in oil and gas engineering, maintenance, and project management.

The O&G industry is dominated by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s national oil company. PETRONAS holds exclusive ownership and rights over all petroleum resources and operates as an integrated oil and gas company, leading upstream exploration and downstream operations.

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.