Oily experience

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Petroleum Plant at Kerteh

I was assigned to relieve a doctor for a month while 'the supposed permanent' was waiting for her OH examination. However I am still here at Kerteh for the second month.

Fishermen boats at Kuala Kerteh

30 years ago Kerteh was a small quiet kampung of no significance to the nation. It was a small fishing village where the people fish for a living, 'kais pagi makan pagi and kais petang makan petang.' The road leading to the nearest town, Kemaman was narrow, windy and dark. Kemaman itself was a border town of no significance. It was quiet, slow and more of a kampung with a number of shops and school available. I could still remember going to the quiet Kemaman
in 1978 for a friendly hockey match with Sekolah Menengah Chukai.

Beautiful Beach of Kerteh

Today after the government started drilling oil off shore for and built petroleum processing plants at Kerteh-Paka border, Kerteh started blooming affecting the nearby villages including Paka and Kemasek. Kemaman, Geliga and Chukai is now highly populated, busy and full of activities.

Kemasek Beach

The place I work is at Kerteh Interplant Medical Clinic. This facility is to provide basic medical care and emergency aid to the staff at Kerteh Interplant Petrochemical Complex.

Secluded Kerteh Beach

The work here is different from what I used to do at Kuantan Specialist Hospital. It is more of a general practice with a focus in occupational health. I had to travel daily starting at 10 minutes past 6 in the morning and arriving home 20 minutes to 7 in the evening.

A trapdoor spider nest at Kerteh

I tried to make this new job enjoyable, adapting to the new environment, seeking local entertainment, get to know people and make new friends. I dont really know how long I'll be here.