Prioritise PETROS talks before int’l deals, finalise negotiations by Dec 31 — Minister to Putrajaya

Julaihi during his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUS sitting on Dec 1, 2025. Photo: Sarawak Information Department (JaPen)

By Doreen Ling

KUCHING, Dec 1: Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi has reminded PETRONAS and the federal government to prioritise its discussions with PETROS and Sarawak before pursuing international agreements.

“I am concerned because a few weeks ago, PETRONAS announced agreements with Italy and France, but it seems not to show the same level of priority or commitment toward PETROS—the entity entrusted to represent Sarawak’s rights,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.

Julaihi also reminded them to uphold the spirit of the joint declaration signed on May 21, 2025, which affirmed that all relevant federal and Sarawak laws relating to gas distribution in Sarawak shall coexist and be respected by all industry players, including PETRONAS and PETROS.

As for negotiations between Sarawak and the federal government, he said they are still being refined and hoped that the commercial agreement could be finalised by December 31, 2025, in the State’s efforts to implement the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGRM).

“We believe PETRONAS can play an important role, together with PETROS, to ensure the success of SGRM. ‘Maju Sarawak, maju Malaysia’ (when Sarawak advances, Malaysia advances).

“While Sarawak is committed to professional and collaborative negotiations, we also hope that the spirit of cooperation that has been agreed upon will not remain merely on paper but be translated into immediate action by all relevant stakeholders,” he said. — DayakDaily