Yes the axe has fallen. Our little base of operations is closed. We had the last remaining rig taken over by the other helicopter operator on 14 September. State politics is an avaricious beast disguised as parochial statesmanship. In reality it is anything but.
Everyone is in shock. The heavy hearts are reflected in the shipping boxes being slowly and painfully filled with office items, desktop PCs, display monitors and filed records of our operations in KK. It is done,
Pilots and most engineers are being transferred to our alma mater in offshore operations, Kerteh. The cultural change will be massive. Back to a hovel where Grab food, Grab car and Grab Mart does not exist. Yes there is Grab food, comprising the wares you can find served streetside in the most provincial dishes all done in poor taste. The social scene is typical of conservatism under theocrats. Forget nightlife.
But it is a hovel I know. Kerteh and all its lacks can be managed. Kemaman is a 20 minute drive south where a more bustling food and kopitiam scene exists with Indian and Chinese food to satisfy the needs of those familiar with the better eateries of the west coast. Northward to Paka the Thai fusion Sawadee restaurant, ever popular, awaits us in a return to flawless dishes and comfort food. Their roast duck is second to none.
The KK experience was good. The gang at work was amiable, tiffs almost non existent with barbs well tempered by humour. The boys and girls who have not opted for the relocation will be certainly missed.
And in my sunset days, another misadventure awaits.
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