MATURATION OF A NEW PLAY CONCEPT IN THE PRE OLIGOCENE STRATIGRAPHY TO REJUVENATE EXPLORATION IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA BASIN

Malay and Penyu Basins are located on the eastern offshore area of Peninsular Malaysia. Hydrocarbon exploration in these basins have been focused mainly on the stratigraphic Groups M to B ranging in age from Oligo-Miocene to Pliocene. The exploration maturity for these plays is variable and the remaining portfolio consists of subtle structural/combination, and stratigraphic prospects and leads of small to medium size. Concerted efforts to rejuvenate exploration in this basin resulted in the identification of a new play of Pre Oligocene age (Early Tertiary or Mesozoic) spread over the southwestern Malay Basin, the northern flank of Tenggol Arch, and NE Penyu Basin. The new play with its explicit sedimentary character is present in two N-S trending grabens on the northern flank of Tenggol Arch. Several sizeable hydrocarbon prospects have been matured to test this play. A similar seismic package character even though not obvious in other parts of this basin is not evidence enough to rule out the presence of this play altogether. The present paper discusses the new play concept, predicted depositional model, and the petroleum system with supporting evidence. Significant exploration opportunities along the western flank of Malay Basin can be unlocked by proving this play.