Latest news with #PetroleumDevelopmentAct1974
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Joint declaration marks new era of S'wak-federal cooperation on resource governance, says SUPP sec-gen
KUCHING (May 28): The joint declaration signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on May 21 is a significant milestone in redefining federal-state relations, particularly in the governance of natural resources, said Datuk Sebastian Ting. Speaking at a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) secretary-general said this agreement reflects a collaborative and constructive approach between the federal and state governments, setting a commendable precedent for resolving resource-related issues amicably and in a mutually-beneficial manner. 'In essence, SUPP views the joint declaration as a balanced and strategic approach to resource governance – an important step towards realising Sarawak's aspirations for greater autonomy and equitable development. 'We remain committed to supporting its implementation and to ensuring that its agreed-upon principles are translated into benefits for the people of Sarawak,' he said. He pointed out the arrangement between Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) was a true 'win-win' outcome – one grounded in a shared understanding while respecting each party's rights and responsibilities. He said the decision was in full alignment with Sarawak's Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO 2016), reinforcing the state's legal framework for the management of its gas resources. 'The joint declaration acknowledges both the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA) and DGO, ensuring that federal and state laws co-exist and are respected by all parties involved in the oil and gas industry, including Petronas,' he said. He said the declaration reaffirms the commitment to uphold Sarawak's rights and autonomy as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and the Sarawak and Federal Constitutions. 'On behalf of SUPP and all my fellow ADUNs (elected representatives) – some are here with me today – we wish to commend and congratulate our Right Honourable Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari for his inspiring, comprehensive and forward-looking winding-up speech. 'We also wish to congratulate the Prime Minister and our Premier for the signing of the joint declaration,' he said.
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak exempted from key PDA provisions under joint declaration, says Premier
Abang Johari said the joint declaration affirms the recognition of Sarawak's executive authority over the distribution of gas within its territory and removes any perceived regulatory uncertainty. – Sarawak Public Communications Unit photo KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak is exempted from certain provisions under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) following the signing of the joint declaration between the federal and Sarawak governments on May 21, 2025, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. In his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here today, Abang Johari said the joint declaration affirms the recognition of Sarawak's executive authority over the distribution of gas within its territory and removes any perceived regulatory uncertainty. 'This joint declaration reaffirms that Federal and State laws on distribution of gas shall be respected by all persons undertaking the distribution and supply of gas in Sarawak,' he said. Abang Johari also pointed out that Sarawak is not subject to certain requirements under the PDA 1974. 'Federal laws like the Gas Supply Act 1993 do not apply to Sarawak and Sarawak is exempted from the requirements imposed by Section 6(1) and (3) of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 to obtain the permission of the Prime Minister to undertake distribution of gas business in Sarawak,' he said. The Premier extended his appreciation to Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and commitment in resolving issues between Petros and Petronas, saying the joint declaration reflected the federal government's recognition of Sarawak's aspirations. 'For the record in this august House, I wish to quote the joint declaration,' said Abang Johari, before reading the full text, which among others confirms the appointment of Petros as the gas aggregator in Sarawak effective March 1, 2025. Under the declaration, Petros' appointment under Section 7A of the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016 is to be respected by all parties undertaking the business of gas marketing, distribution, and supply in the state. The document also states that Petros and Petronas will cooperate on projects to meet Sarawak's domestic gas needs, including implementing the 1.2 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscf/d) plan under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and exploring green energy, hydrogen, and power generation initiatives. 'All discussions on collaborations must be subject to technical and commercial viability. For the purpose of future projects in the State of Sarawak involving international partners, Petronas shall cooperate with Petros,' the declaration read. Abang Johari said with Sarawak's legislative and executive authority over gas distribution confirmed, the state government will ensure regulatory clarity and stability to support industry growth. 'Sarawak will implement plans to increase gas production within its territory, sustainable utilisation of gas by industries, and for the production of clean energy,' he said, adding that this would provide investment opportunities in upstream, midstream and downstream activities. He said these initiatives include the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) sites to tap into Sarawak's potential gas reserves off its western coast and to support the planned Kuching Low Carbon Gas Hub. 'All these projects will increase the GDP for Sarawak by RM120 billion and create 185,000 high-income jobs,' he said. He also reiterated that Petros, as the state's gas aggregator and resource manager, will play a central role in expanding gas infrastructure, ensuring adequate supply for industrial and domestic use, and developing CCS sites aligned with the state's energy agenda. abang johari DUN joint declaration oil and gas PDA
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Voon tight-lipped on PBK's election plans, says strategy in place
Voon speaking at the event. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 25): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan was coy on the number of seats the party will contest in the coming state election. He was quick to emphasise, however, that the party has strategies in place to contest the election. 'I cannot disclose at this moment how many seats we are going to contest. The committee has not decided (yet). But we have strategies on how to fight this next (state) election. 'Our strategy is very simple. Our strategy is that we are consistent in our struggle for Sarawak independence in a peaceful and legal manner. 'So, in order to achieve this, we must form the government. Only when you are in the government can you bring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to declare it null and void, or to Parliament or whatever legal avenue,' he told reporters. Voon made these remarks when met after the Sarawak People's Justice Dinner organised by PBK at a local restaurant here last night. The event was chaired by the party's youth chief, Moh Hiong King. For the record, in the 2021 Sarawak election, PBK contested 73 out of the 82 seats but failed to win any. Voon also expressed concern over the issue of oil and gas rights, underscoring the limitations posed by the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74). 'Until and unless the PDA74 is revoked or repealed, oil and gas remain under the control of Petronas. That is the law. And the Constitution is very clear,' he said. Meanwhile, PBK supreme council member Awang Badele urged the state government to provide electricity subsidies to ease the burden of those in the B40 and M40 income groups. He also called for the acceleration of perimeter surveys on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land and proposed an environmental allowance for residents in Bintulu, citing its role as a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) production hub. 'We are giving constructive suggestions to the government so that they can be implemented to benefit the people,' said Awang. Also present at the dinner were PBK deputy president Peli Aron, vice president Dr Richard Ibuh, organising chairman Moh Hiong King, and PBK life president Yu Chin Liik. Parti Bumi Kenyalang state election Voon Lee Shan
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Gas deal signals new era of Putrajaya-Sarawak cooperation, says political scientist
Jayum says the move reflects an effort to address and reform long-standing federal-regional issues, particularly those enshrined in MA63. KUCHING (May 22): The agreement on Sarawak's gas distribution, reached between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is a step in the right direction to reform relations between Putrajaya and Sarawak, said political scientist Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow said the move reflects an effort to address and reform long-standing federal-regional issues, particularly those enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'The loss of many of Sarawak's rights to its wealth was not the making of Abang Johari, and neither did it happen during Anwar Ibrahim's watch as Prime Minister. 'However, that Abang Johari and Anwar Ibrahim can sit down and come to terms to resolve some of the federal-regional issues shows high wisdom on the part of both the Premier and the Prime Minister,' he told The Borneo Post . Jayum was commenting on the joint declaration signed on Wednesday by Anwar and Abang Johari, which stated that all relevant federal and state laws governing gas distribution in Sarawak will coexist and be upheld by all parties involved. Jayum, who is also an adjunct professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia Institute of Borneo Studies, said this cooperative approach should be emulated by leaders at all levels of government to build a united Malaysia beyond the scope of MA63. The declaration also involved Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), with both entities affirming their roles under the agreement. 'Petronas will continue its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations entrusted to it under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) and its regulations. 'All parties shall endeavor to continue working together to develop a framework that benefits the nation while taking into consideration Sarawak's aspirations,' it said. The agreement also confirmed the appointment of Petros as the gas aggregator for Sarawak.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Joint declaration with Putrajaya allows Sarawak to exempt PETRONAS from licensing requirements, says Abang Johari
KUCHING: Sarawak can exempt PETRONAS and its subsidiaries from licensing requirements to operate in the state following the signing of a joint declaration with the federal government, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said the declaration served as a guide for how PETRONAS would conduct its operations in Sarawak in collaboration with state-owned Petros. "We give them an exemption if they apply (for a licence), but they have to tell us. "PETRONAS, being a national company, we give exemption to them," he told a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex on Thursday (May 22). He added that the authority to issue licences and grant exemptions lies with the state's Utility and Telecommunication Ministry. The Premier also said Sarawak was committed to working closely with the federal government, PETRONAS and Petros to implement the collaborative framework outlined in the joint declaration in good faith. "This sets in motion a strategic shift towards realising Sarawak's gas potential, advancing the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and accelerating the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, in line with the aspiration of Sarawak to be the energy hub in the Asean region," he said. The joint declaration, signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Abang Johari in Putrajaya on Wednesday (May 21), affirmed that all federal and Sarawak state laws relating to distribution of gas in Sarawak will coexist and be respected by all parties involved in such activities, including PETRONAS and Petros. It also recognised Petros as the gas aggregator in Sarawak, while PETRONAS would continue its functions and activities under the Petroleum Development Act 1974. Abang Johari welcomed the declaration as a clear manifestation of mutual respect and recognition of Sarawak's regulatory framework, particularly the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016. "This joint declaration shows that Sarawak's rights are respected and that real progress comes from genuine partnership and mutual trust," he said.
