KUALA LUMPUR – Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), through its Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM) division, has officially launched the Malaysia Bid Round 2026 (MBR 2026).
Themed “Advantaged Energy: Accelerating and Shaping Tomorrow,” the bid round aims to reinforce Malaysia’s standing as a leading investment hub in the energy sector.
This year’s MBR introduces nine exploration blocks located across Malaysia. The portfolio provides a diverse range of opportunities, including a high-impact exploration block in the frontier Sandakan Basin, promising blocks in the emerging West Sarawak Basin, and new exploration ideas in the mature Malay Basin.
Additionally, the round includes six Discovered Resource Opportunities (DRO), offering investors “ready-to-develop” pathways for monetisation.
Petronas further stated that investors and solution providers would have access to extensive technical data, supporting resource development platforms and phased-development options that allow for early monetisation and value creation in the near term.
The MBR 2026 underscores the momentum within the industry and highlights ecosystem activation, as evidenced by the announcement of strategic partnerships and development milestones that align with the bid round’s offering.
Datuk Ir Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice-President of MPM, noted that Malaysia’s growing energy demand would require substantial investments in the upstream sector to support the nation’s expanding digital economy and manufacturing industries.
“The economic benefits will also extend to downstream industries, providing essential feedstock,” he said.
“To sustain Malaysia’s upstream engine, an investment of RM50 billion to RM60 billion annually is needed.” – February 11, 2026