Petronas can apply for licence exemptions, says Sarawak minister
Sarawak utility and telecommunication minister Julaihi Narawi pointed to the joint statement by the prime minister and the state premier on the role of Petros as the gas aggregator. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : National oil company Petronas may apply to be exempted from obtaining licences for projects that do not clash with Petroleum Sarawak Berhad's (Petros) role as the sole gas aggregator, a state minister said.
Sarawak utility and telecommunication minister Julaihi Narawi said such exemptions could be considered, provided these projects are unrelated to the supply, sale, retail or distribution in the gas sectors, which fall under the sole purview of Petros, the Borneo Post reported.
'The joint declaration acknowledges Petros as the gas aggregator appointed by the Sarawak government in the exercise of its executive authority,' Julaihi was quoted as saying in the state assembly, referring to the joint statement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.
'Both the prime minister and the premier of Sarawak have expressly stated that this appointment must be respected by all parties involved in the business of gas distribution in the state.'
He said any agreement and arrangement related to the supply and sale of natural gas in Sarawak must align with Petros's role as the gas aggregator, as outlined in the joint declaration.
He expressed confidence that the joint declaration will benefit Sarawak and serve national interests by strengthening investor confidence, particularly among international companies in the gas distribution sector.
Among the matters in the joint statement is the understanding that all federal and Sarawak state laws related to the distribution of gas within the state must coexist and be respected by all parties conducting such activities in Sarawak, including Petronas and Petros.
Petronas will continue to perform its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations as mandated under the Petroleum Development Act and its associated regulations.
On Thursday, Abang Johari said Petronas and its subsidiaries are not required to obtain operating licences from the Sarawak government to operate in the state.
He said while Petros has been formally recognised as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak, the authority to issue operating licences remains with Sarawak's utility and telecommunication ministry.
'The ministry also holds the power to grant exemptions. Given Petronas's status as a national oil company, the ministry will exempt them accordingly.
'We'll grant them exemptions. However, they must first apply for it,' he told reporters.
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