04-05-2025
Abg Johari: PM Anwar intervenes to seek amicable resolution in Sarawak-Petronas row
Abang Johari (left) speaks during the townhall session which was moderated by Fazzrudin (right). – Photo from Ukas
KUCHING (May 4): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that he received a phone call from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to find an equitable and amicable resolution to the ongoing dispute involving Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Sarawak.
He was cited as saying by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) as saying that discussions are moving forward based on a win-win approach for both Sarawak and Petronas.
'In this oil and gas matter, we've been tactfully 'playing ball' with Petronas for a while now. By now, I am sure many of you are aware of the latest developments surrounding this issue.
'However, we are working towards resolving it. In fact, the Prime Minister personally contacted me this morning (Saturday, London time), and we reached a mutual understanding to move towards a resolution.
'This solution will be based on mutual goodwill and the belief that the nation's oil and gas wealth should be shared fairly. Sarawak has fulfilled its responsibilities,' he said.
The Premier made these remarks during the Sarawak Agenda Townhall session held in conjunction with 'Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025' – United Kingdom (UK) Edition in London on Saturday.
It was reported on May 2 that Sarawak has issued a legal notice to Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, as the company is allegedly operating without a permit at its Miri Crude Oil Terminal.
Business Times reported that Petronas Carigali was given 21 days in the notice dated April 30 to obtain the necessary licence, failing which it could face financial penalties under Section 21A of the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016.
It said the company – the upstream arm of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) – had breached Section 7(e) of the DGO 2016, which requires a licence for the construction, management, or maintenance of gas pipelines or related facilities.
The DGO came into effect on July 1, 2018, with Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) made the regulator and exclusive gas aggregator for the state, as part of the Sarawak government's move to protect the state's autonomy over its natural resources.
Later that day, Petronas confirmed Petronas Carigali had received notices on April 30, 2025, from the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication concerning gas processing and distribution.
The national oil firm told Bernama that Petronas Carigali is statutorily authorised under the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 to undertake the company's activities and comply with all applicable laws in doing so.
In a related development, the Premier also highlighted the Sarawak government's focus on strengthening the state's economic foundation, particularly through the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund, which has been allocated RM8 billion in reserves.
He explained that once Sarawak's economic stability reaches a strong and sustainable level, the benefits of this growth will be channelled back to the people through a well-planned and inclusive economic development strategy.
'Our current focus is on consolidating the state's economic base. Once we have achieved solid economic stability, the returns will be distributed to the people through a structured and comprehensive approach across all sectors,' he said.
Also present at the session were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Law, MA63 and Federal-State Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister of Utilities (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Dato Ibrahim Baki; Sarawak Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar and Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.
Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman moderated the townhall session.
Approximately 230 Sarawakian students from the United Kingdom, Germany, and France participated in the 'Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025 UK Edition' programme. abang johari dispute lead Petronas
