PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for calm and measured dialogue following rising tensions between national oil and gas corporation Petronas and Sarawak’s state-owned energy entity, Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), regarding a licensing disagreement.
In a statement on social media platform X today, Anwar emphasised the importance of safeguarding mutual interests and urged both sides to refrain from further action or public commentary until further discussions could be convened. His remarks followed a phone conversation with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Once the Premier returns from his official visit to London, we will promptly initiate further deliberations to reach a resolution,” Anwar said. “I remain confident that this matter can be addressed judiciously through meaningful and prudent dialogue, God willing.”
The statement comes after Petronas confirmed that its exploration and production subsidiary, Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, had received a formal notice from Sarawak’s Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications on 30 April, citing a lack of a valid state licence for its Miri Crude Oil Terminal operations.
The notice reportedly gave Petronas Carigali 21 days to rectify the issue, warning that failure to comply could result in financial penalties under Section 21A of Sarawak’s Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016.
In response, Petronas maintained that its operations are conducted in accordance with federal legislation and reiterated its openness to engage with both federal and state authorities to ensure regulatory clarity and continued cooperation.
Separately, Abang Johari, in comments shared by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), expressed optimism that a balanced outcome could be reached. “On this issue, we are engaging tactfully with Petronas, but we are committed to finding a resolution,” he said.
He also confirmed that the Prime Minister had contacted him directly, adding, “We agreed to move forward in a fair and sincere manner.” Abang Johari further stated that Sarawak had fulfilled its obligations under existing agreements, despite not receiving additional revenue entitlements.
The licensing dispute is the latest in a series of jurisdictional challenges as Malaysia continues to navigate the complex relationship between federal and state authority in its oil and gas sector.
–Free Malaysia Today
