Fostering Collaboration and Advancing Decommissioning Practices at Muhibbah Engineering Malaysia Berhad

Hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on 23 June 2023



Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 23, 2023 – Muhibbah Steel Industries, Malaysia’s pioneering decommissioning yard, played host to a significant event on June 23, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The atmosphere was teeming with energy as the SEELOS delegation arrived, marking a significant step towards fostering collaboration between industry and academia in the field of structural decommissioning.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Sekar Gopal, Senior Manager QAQC at Muhibbah, who greeted the SEELOS delegation from UTM and UTP. Dr. Gopal set the stage by providing insights into Muhibbah Engineering’s expertise in decommissioning activities. The audience was then introduced to the SEELOS project, an RAE-sponsored master project aimed at enhancing knowledge and skills in structural decommissioning of oil and gas facilities.

One of the key highlights of the site visit was the exposure to the decommissioning activities carried out at onshore facilities to gain a deeper understanding on the sustainable waste management involved. This involvement showcased the practical aspects of structural decommissioning and extended the reach of the SEELOS project, making it more widely accessible.

The event also served as a platform to strengthen the network of collaboration between industry and academia. Experts and scholars came together to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for future partnerships, aligning their efforts towards sustainable and responsible decommissioning practices.

Muhibbah Steel Industries holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s first decommissioning yard and recently achieved ISO 30000:2009 certification. This certification underscores their commitment to adhering to the highest standards in decommissioning processes, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Additionally, they specialize in the removal of other hazardous and non-hazardous waste and the remediation and repurposing of assets.

Dr. Sekar Gopal, Senior Manager QAQC of Muhibbah Engineering (M), expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “We welcome any project with open arms, and we are excited to contribute our expertise to advance sustainable decommissioning practices. Our ISO certification is a testament to our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to future collaborations in the industry.”

During the visit, SEELOS had the privilege of witnessing Muhibbah dismantling yard’s technical readiness. In which their core activities encompass dismantling and cutting of assets, removal of oily waste and contaminated parts, segregation, storage, and disposal of materials such as steel, asbestos, mercury, norm waste, and H2S removal.

Although Muhibbah Steel Industries currently does not have an ongoing project, they stand fully prepared to receive and undertake future endeavors in structural decommissioning. Their state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to responsible practices position them as a trusted partner for prospective projects in the oil and gas industry.

The culmination of the event at Muhibbah Steel Industries took on added significance as it drew to a close with a heartfelt token of appreciation presented by Prof. Omar Yaakob of UTM and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amila of UTP to the Muhibbah representative. This event also marks a significant stride forward in Malaysia’s journey towards sustainable and responsible decommissioning practices. The partnership between Muhibbah and SEELOS promises to be a driving force in advancing knowledge and practices in structural decommissioning for the benefit of both academia and the industry.


Partners involved:
  • Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Malaysia) – Project Coordinator
  • Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (Malaysia)


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Posted by Mohd Arif Ismail

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