Sarawak's oil and gas efforts don't infringe on PETRONAS' rights, says Abang Jo

KUCHING: Sarawak has not infringed on PETRONAS' rights as granted under the Petroleum Development Act 1974, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

Dismissing such claims, he said Sarawak had its own oil and gas rights under state laws, namely the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 which preceded Malaysia's formation and had never been repealed.

"We have also passed the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 and appointed Petros (state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Bhd) as the gas aggregator.

"So we have not taken (away any of) PETRONAS' rights under the Petroleum Development Act," he said at a Gawai celebration in Betong, central Sarawak, on Wednesday (June 5).

Abang Johari also refuted claims that PETRONAS would be adversely affected by Petros.

"No such thing. We have our own rights. I know it is wrong to take the rights of others, but it is also wrong for others to take our rights," he said.

Abang Johari added that Sarawak was developing its oil and gas industry properly, contributing to the state's increase in revenue to RM13bil last year.

He said he was informed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who attended a national financial council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, that Sarawak's revenue was the highest among all the states.

"I know there are people in Peninsular Malaysia who are jealous of Sarawak.

"We must be careful of such people who want to disturb us. In Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), we know which is glass and which is diamond.

"Our intention is to help the people and there is more to be done," he said.