KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg appreciates Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recognition of Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) as the single gas aggregator in Sarawak.
In a statement yesterday, he said the Sarawak state government, together with Petros, is committed to working closely with the Federal Government and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to ensure the smooth implementation of Petros’s role.
“I would like to express my utmost appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his statement during the press conference in Abu Dhabi regarding the Petronas-Petros issue, among others, recognizing Petros as the single gas aggregator in Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari stated that this cooperation will ensure an uninterrupted gas supply for users, including investors, which is vital for the economic advancement of Sarawak.
“The Sarawak government also appreciates the role of the Federal Government and Petronas in resolving this issue. This will enhance cooperation between the Federal Government and Sarawak, Petronas, and Petros,” he said.
Abang Johari mentioned that such strategic cooperation will propel Malaysia and Sarawak, in particular, to become an energy hub.
“This cooperation will enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness in attracting investments, technology research, and new industries, especially in petrochemical derivatives, thus aligning with the creation of high-income jobs and national economic growth,” he said.
Last Tuesday, Anwar mentioned that issues related to Petronas and Petros regarding gas distribution rights in Sarawak had been resolved through a series of negotiations, including his meeting with Abang Johari on January 1.
He stated that although Petros has been granted authority as the gas aggregator, it will not interfere with Petronas’s existing operations.
“Petronas retains its authority throughout the country but allows Sarawak to control gas distribution for domestic purposes. This demonstrates cooperation between the two entities,” he said at a press conference at the end of his visit to the United Arab Emirates.– BERNAMA
