KUCHING: Sarawak can exempt PETRONAS and its subsidiaries from licensing requirements to operate in the state following the signing of a joint declaration with the federal government, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the declaration served as a guide for how PETRONAS would conduct its operations in Sarawak in collaboration with state-owned Petros.
"We give them an exemption if they apply (for a licence), but they have to tell us.
"PETRONAS, being a national company, we give exemption to them," he told a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex on Thursday (May 22).
He added that the authority to issue licences and grant exemptions lies with the state's Utility and Telecommunication Ministry.
The Premier also said Sarawak was committed to working closely with the federal government, PETRONAS and Petros to implement the collaborative framework outlined in the joint declaration in good faith.
"This sets in motion a strategic shift towards realising Sarawak's gas potential, advancing the Sarawak Gas Roadmap and accelerating the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, in line with the aspiration of Sarawak to be the energy hub in the Asean region," he said.
The joint declaration, signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Abang Johari in Putrajaya on Wednesday (May 21), affirmed that all federal and Sarawak state laws relating to distribution of gas in Sarawak will coexist and be respected by all parties involved in such activities, including PETRONAS and Petros.
It also recognised Petros as the gas aggregator in Sarawak, while PETRONAS would continue its functions and activities under the Petroleum Development Act 1974.
Abang Johari welcomed the declaration as a clear manifestation of mutual respect and recognition of Sarawak's regulatory framework, particularly the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016.
"This joint declaration shows that Sarawak's rights are respected and that real progress comes from genuine partnership and mutual trust," he said.
