PC JDA Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd, along with PTTEP JDX Thailand Ltd Co and PTTEP JDX Thailand (JDA) Ltd, has secured government approvals from both Malaysia and Thailand for a new production sharing contract (PSC) covering Block A-18-01 in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA). The agreements were formalized in a ceremony held recently in Bangkok, marking a key milestone in bilateral energy cooperation.
The new PSC, which takes effect from January 1, 2026, extends over 35 years and incorporates the existing Block A-18 area along with an adjacent exploration zone. This expanded arrangement allows for continued development beyond the current PSC’s expiry on April 20, 2029, with the objective of sustaining production, unlocking additional resource potential, and optimizing long-term development of the block.
Additionally, the parties signed a gas sales agreement involving PETRONAS and Thailand’s state-owned PTT Pcl, ensuring natural gas supplies from the block will continue to support energy needs in both countries.
Ainoor Abizzurin Abdullah, director of PC JDA, emphasized that the new PSC represents the next phase of development for Block A-18-01 and exemplifies the strong collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand. He highlighted the block’s importance as a key source of natural gas and condensate, stating that the agreement reinforces a shared commitment to maximize value through enhanced resource monetization and operational cooperation.
The MTJDA covers approximately 7,250 square kilometers and includes Blocks A-18-01 and B-17-01. Together, these blocks have a combined natural gas production capacity of roughly 700 million standard cubic feet per day, with output distributed equally between Malaysia and Thailand.
Block A-18-01 encompasses several gas fields, including Cakerawala, Bumi, Suriya, Bulan, South Bulan, Senja, East Bumi, Samudra, and Wira, as well as an open area. Block B-17-01 contains fields such as Muda, Tapi, Tanjung, Amarit, Jengka, Melati, and Andalas.
The renewed contract and related agreements reaffirm PETRONAS Carigali’s investment strategy focused on strategic assets and underscore efforts to promote sustainable growth and regional energy security through continued cross-border cooperation.