MIRI, Oct 9 – Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan today dismissed talk that over 600 Shell exploration and production staff here would be retrenched simultaneously, following the company's downsizing exercise.
Even if there was going to be a manpower layoff, he said the process would not be carried out drastically but over a period of time.
Speaking to reporters after attending a closed-door briefing by the Miri Division Disaster Relief Committee, Dr Chan, who is also state industrial development minister, said he had not been informed officially about the details of the exercise.
He said that he would meet newly-appointed Sarawak Shell Bhd/Sabah Shell Petroleum Co Ltd managing director Mohd Anuar Taib for details.
However, he added, he was aware the Shell operation worldwide had undergone the downsizing exercise to cut costs and raise efficiency.
He said the downsizing exercise was decided, following a trend in low oil prices and the need for staff to be multi-skilled.
Dr Chan believed other oil companies in the world, including Petronas, were also feeling the pinch from high operational costs and low prices, and could be contemplating a similar move.
Nevertheless, he advised workers who might be affected that there would be other employment and business opportunities, particularly in the oil and gas support service companies. – Bernama
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
