Akmal Nasrullah: PSC, GSA Signings Cap Successful Two-day Thailand Working Visit

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir’s two-day working visit to Thailand, which concluded today, has further strengthened bilateral energy cooperation, notably through the signing of new agreements for the development of Block A-18-01 in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA).

Akmal Nasrullah said the signing of the production sharing contract (PSC) and gas sales agreement (GSA) formed the focal point of his visit, describing it as a crucial milestone in both nations’ ongoing efforts to develop shared resources and bolster long-term energy security.

“Well, it was a good trip. Definitely, the highlight of the trip will be about the PSC and GSA with Thailand for us to develop the joint area,” he told Bernama here today.

The PSC was signed by the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Authority (MTJA), PC JDA Ltd, and PTTEP JDX, while the GSA involved these parties alongside Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and PTT Public Co Ltd.

Additionally, Akmal noted that his discussions with Thai Energy Minister Akanat Promphan demonstrated positive progress in deepening collaboration, particularly in safeguarding energy security amid an increasingly complex global energy landscape.

“The understanding of the need for further collaboration, especially to really uphold our energy security, is (making) very good progress,” he said.

Malaysia’s participation in Gastech 2026 also provided the country with a platform to showcase its dedication to energy security and its resilience in navigating geopolitical challenges within the energy sector.

Akmal said this shows Malaysia, in terms of the energy sector, remains viable and reliable.

“And at the same time, with that kind of strength, Malaysia actually remains a very attractive destination for investment,” he said.

Malaysia’s capabilities extend to decarbonisation -- specifically carbon capture and storage (CCS) -- with the nation having already laid the legal and institutional groundwork for its advancement, Akmal added.

He noted that Malaysia’s established upstream expertise, particularly in the gas sector, offers a distinct advantage in developing other decarbonisation mechanisms, including CCS and the decommissioning of ageing wells.

Reflecting on the trip’s overall outcomes, Akmal cited the MTJDA as a prime example of how neighbouring countries can successfully cooperate to develop shared resources and generate mutual benefits.

“It is among the few successful examples in the world of how neighbouring countries can collaborate, rather than continuing with the dispute. Instead, we managed to actually develop and reap the mutual benefit,” he said.

Furthermore, Akmal highlighted the growing prominence of Malaysian oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) companies, with several domestic industry players exhibiting at Gastech 2026.

He said Malaysian OGSE firms are increasingly capable of delivering technical solutions and practical proficiency to tackle industry-wide challenges, moving beyond traditional supporting roles.

The MTJDA represents nearly five decades of collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand, with these latest agreements reinforcing operational continuity, investor confidence, and long-term energy security for both nations.

-- BERNAMA