KUCHING: Drilling activities in Malaysia are likely to remain robust given the increasingly challenging field exploration to discover new hydrocarbon resources. According to HWANGDBS Vickers Research Sdn Bhd (HwangDBS Vickers), this was a niche market with growth potential as foreign substitution could play a major role in sweeping drilling contracts for local rig owners that meet the requirements. It also implied a strong chance for Perisai Petroleum Teknologi Bhd (Perisai) to clinching a contract for its maiden US$208 million jack-up rig which would be delivered by July 2014. Going forward, Perisai was expected to focus on production and drilling. Its flagship mobile offshore production unit (MOPU) was working for Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd under long-term contract until September 2013 but might be extended by a year.