Shell Malaysia has denied speculation that it intends to shut down operations in Sarawak but confirmed that the housing quarters at Piasau Camp will be closed by September this year.

The Piasau Camp has existed since the 50s.

Shell Malaysia chairperson Iain Lo said Miri will continue to be the Shell headquarters for upstream operations and to prove the company’s long term commitment, it plans to improve the office in Lutong in Miri to create a more conducive working environment.

“We are growing our business in Sarawak. Under the Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) with Petronas last year alone, we signed seven agreements.

“Five were exploration blocks and the rest for extension purposes,” he told reporters at the Shell Malaysia Exploration and Production Chinese New Year 2013 open house in Miri today.

“I myself will be moving to Miri,” he said, adding, although the Piasau Camp will be closed, Shell Malaysia will not give up the land, except for lots by the riverside.

He said some of Shell staff based in Miri will be transferred to Sabah as part of the company’s plan to support the growth of the oil industry there.

- Bernama