SHAH ALAM: Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has confirmed receiving a phone call from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday (May 3 regarding the issue between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros).
Abang Johari, who is currently in London, said the resolution of the matter would be based on a win-win approach for both parties.
Commenting on a licensing dispute between the oil and gas companies, Abang Johari has downplayed tensions, saying the state government is committed to resolving the matter with the federal government.
“This oil and gas issue – we (the Sarawak state government) are just having a bit of a football match with Petronas,” he quipped.
“However, we will resolve it. In fact, Anwar contacted me (on Saturday morning, London time), and we reached a mutual commitment to resolve the issue,” he said in a report by Sinar Harian on Sunday (May 4).
Abang Johari made the remarks during a townhall with Sarawak youth in London.
He further said that the resolution would also be grounded in sincerity, noting that the country’s oil and gas revenues should be shared fairly.
Previously, Petronas confirmed that its subsidiary, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB), had received a notice on April 30 from the Sarawak Utility and Telecommunications Ministry accusing the subsidiary of operating its Miri Crude Oil Terminal without a state licence.
Section 7(e) of the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 states that a licence is required to operate gas pipelines and related facilities within the state.
However, the national oil company stated that PCSB is legally empowered under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 to carry out its activities in compliance with relevant laws.
Earlier, the Business Times reported that Sarawak had initiated legal action against PCSB, accusing the company of operating illegally at its Miri terminal.
According to the report, a legal notice was issued with a 21-day deadline to obtain the required licence, failing which the company could face financial penalties.
