Energy & Technology

The Sarawak state government has issued a legal notice to Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, the upstream subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), for allegedly operating without a valid permit at its Miri Crude Oil Terminal. According to a news report, the notice—dated 30 April—accuses the company of breaching Section 7(e) of the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016, which mandates a licence for the construction, management or maintenance of gas pipelines or related facilities. Petronas Carigali has been given 21 days to obtain the required licence. Failure to comply may result in financial penalties under Section 21A of the same ordinance. This development marks the latest in a series of tensions between Sarawak and the national oil company, as the state continues efforts to assert greater regulatory control over its oil and gas resources. Sarawak established its own oil and gas regulator, Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), in 2017. The entity oversees upstream and downstream oil and gas operations within the state. However, Sarawak’s push for greater autonomy has led to continued friction with Petronas, which was formed under the federal Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 and holds exclusive rights to the nation’s hydrocarbon assets. The legal notice further highlights ongoing jurisdictional disputes between the state and federal governments regarding control and licensing within Malaysia’s energy sector. –Business Times

NEGERI SEMBILAN : The state of Negeri Sembilan is rapidly positioning itself as Malaysia’s emerging hub for data centres, amid increasing constraints on approvals in Johor due to resource consumption concerns. Currently, two major data centre projects are underway in Negeri Sembilan. One development will feature a green data centre financed by United States investors, while the other will be an artificial intelligence (AI) data centre led by Malaysian infrastructure group, Gamuda Bhd. The state’s strong infrastructure network, including well-established highway connectivity, has been a critical factor in attracting these significant investments. To address the substantial resource demands of these facilities, Gamuda Bhd will also develop a dedicated water treatment plant with a daily capacity of 67 million litres. This infrastructure investment will ensure a sustainable supply to support the operational needs of the data centres. In light of the substantial water and resource requirements associated with data centre operations, the Negeri Sembilan state government has announced its intention to closely assess future proposals for similar projects. This approach aims to balance economic development with prudent resource management. –Bloomberg

TAPAH: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has given all telecommunication companies until 5pm today (Sunday) to submit concrete solutions to ongoing nationwide internet access issues or face firm enforcement action. Speaking during a visit to the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) in Air Kuning, Perak, Fahmi said he had instructed Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) executive chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din to ensure telcos respond promptly to complaints of poor connectivity. “Telcos are quick to act when it comes to collecting outstanding bills, but when it comes to addressing service complaints, it can take months. I’ve had enough,” said Fahmi. “If no comprehensive and immediate solutions are submitted by 5pm today, MCMC will begin taking enforcement measures starting tomorrow.” Also present were Perak Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi and Barisan Nasional candidate for the Ayer Kuning state by-election, Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir. Fahmi cited a drive test conducted by MCMC on 5 March, which revealed that many areas still fail to meet the Mandatory Standards on Quality of Service (MSQoS). The current minimum requirement of 7.5 Mbps will be increased to 10 Mbps in 2026. He noted that the internet access problem is widespread and not limited to Air Kuning, listing other affected areas including Belaga and Ulu Rajang in Sarawak, the new township of Serenia, outskirts of Tambun, Pangkor Island, and several Orang Asli settlements. Should telcos fail to resolve these issues, stricter enforcement – including heavier fines – will be imposed. Following amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act effective 11 February, penalties have significantly increased, with fines potentially reaching millions of ringgit. Separately, Fahmi advised social media users to remain cautious when posting or campaigning online during the Ayer Kuning by-election period, particularly on sensitive 3R topics (race, religion, royalty). “Individuals found guilty of posting extreme or 3R-related content may face fines up to RM500,000, compounds of up to RM250,000, or imprisonment. I urge all parties to campaign responsibly,” he said, adding that no complaints had been received so far. When asked about Perikatan Nasional (PN) supporters sharing caricatures mocking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Fahmi responded: “If that’s their style of campaigning, so be it. We prefer to campaign based on facts, ideas, and tangible offerings – not insults and mockery.”–BERNAMA