South Korean operator SK earthon has commenced a two-well exploration campaign on shallow-water Block SK 427 offshore Sarawak, East Malaysia. The programme involves the Sumpitan-1 and Tawak-1 wildcats and utilises the PV Drilling VI jack-up rig, supported by four Malaysian vessels, with operations scheduled for completion on 10 May. The block, awarded under Malaysia Bid Round 2021 and covering 3324 square kilometres, lies within the proven Balingian and Tatau hydrocarbon provinces. SK earthon's partners include Idemitsu Kosan, which farmed in last year, and original co-venturer Petroleum Sarawak Exploration & Production. The block has a proven hydrocarbon system with identified prospects and leads such as Lu-1, Lu-2, Oya-D, and C14.

Simultaneous Exploration Offshore Peninsular Malaysia

Concurrently, national upstream company Petronas Carigali is drilling the Meransi-1 exploration well on Block PM 515 offshore Peninsular Malaysia's east coast, using the Naga-4 jack-up rig, with operations expected to finish by the end of the month. This 5119 square kilometre block, awarded under Enhanced Profitability Terms PSC in December 2024 to Petronas Carigali and E&P Malaysia Venture, is noted for its significant discovery potential. It contains three existing fields—Jelawai, Rajah Shallow, and Enggor—and is surrounded by producing assets. At the time of award, substantial seismic data, including 4284 square kilometres of 3D seismic, had been acquired. Identified prospects and leads on the block include:

• Jenjulong and Karas in the north
• Dedo, Alagnani, Changkai, and Balototan in the south