Gas talks likely to conclude next month

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Discussions on gas distribution in Sarawak involving the state government, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) are expected to conclude by October.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the matter is expected to be resolved within this timeframe.

“If we can conclude by October, then it will be done in October. If there are minor issues, we can extend, but our target remains October.

“So, it’s up to the technical team,” he said during a press conference following the opening ceremony of the Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sarawak (PPNS) new building here on Wednesday.

Abang Johari emphasised that the discussions should not take much longer.

“I believe it won’t be lengthy, possibly just a month or two at most, similar to the acquisition process of Affin Bank,” he added.

On Tuesday (Sept 24), in a joint statement following a meeting the three parties confirmed that discussions regarding gas distribution in Sarawak are currently ongoing and would be concluded soon.

“It is confirmed that no legal action is being contemplated by Petronas against Sarawak and Petros.

“All parties respect and abide by federal and state laws regarding this matter,” the statement said.

In another development, Abang Johari said the National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) should delegate administrative powers to the PPNS to allow for self-administration.

He said this is important to ensure its administration is aligned with the delegation of powers involving the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Veterinary Services, and the Department of Fisheries.

“It does not require any amendment to the law as it is only a regulation. Therefore, we can manage the administration if the power is directly given to Sarawak.

“In this regard, we do not need to refer to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), it is solely based on the concept of power delegation,” he explained.