KUCHING: Sarawak will continue to manage carbon storage within the state even after federal legislation is introduced on the matter, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Premier said Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli had indicated that federal laws on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) would be harmonised with Sarawak's existing legislation.
The Federal Government plans to table CCUS legislation by the end of the year, while Sarawak already has its own regulatory framework after amending the state Land Code in 2022.
"As far as Sarawak is concerned, the storage of carbon in our offshore (areas) is to be managed by Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros).
"Sarawak will have its own approach in terms of managing CCUS. We will work with the Federal Government only in cross-border carbon transportation," said Abang Johari at Petros' seventh-anniversary celebration here on Wednesday night (Oct 30).
The Premier also said Sarawak wanted to be a part of any agreement between the Malaysian government and other parties for carbon storage in the state.
"But Sarawak is the host area and we will call the final shot," he added.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said Petros was investing significantly in gas distribution infrastructure.
He said this included a RM100mil investment in the Gas to Bintulu project to provide natural gas access to Bintulu, alongside a RM1bil commitment to the Samalaju Pipeline project.
In addition, Petros completed the first phase of an infrastructure project to deliver piped gas to 13 lower-income households in Permyjaya, Miri, in February this year.
"Petros will cover all installation costs for the gas pipelines to deliver gas directly to your kitchen.
"The second phase, aimed at connecting an additional 135 households, is currently on track and expected to be completed by 2025," Abang Johari said.
When fully implemented, he added, the project will benefit over 3,000 households in Permyjaya.
