Kuala Lumpur: The federal government is scheduled to engage in discussions with the Sarawak state government to delineate the collaborative framework between Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the discussions aim to explore potential cooperative projects that both entities may undertake across various sectors. Prime Minister Anwar emphasized the agreement reached between him, representing the Government of Malaysia, and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, which acknowledges all legal considerations pertinent to this collaboration.

Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadilah Yusof, Prime Minister Anwar expressed plans to reach out to the Sarawak Government with the intention of organizing a meeting to review their proposals. He is optimistic about achieving a satisfactory resolution through this dialogue, as stated during a press conference at the MADANI Government 2025 Ministerial Retreat.

The federal government recognizes Sarawak’s ambitions at the state level to participate in the oil and gas industry, as discussed in a Dewan Rakyat briefing session. This ambition is encapsulated within the Gas Distribution Ordinance 2016 (Amendment) (DGO), set to be effective from March 1, 2025.

Prime Minister Anwar pointed out that when the DGO is considered alongside the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), it establishes Petros as an aggregator in Sarawak. Despite this new role, existing approvals granted to Petronas and its subsidiaries will remain intact.

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari expressed his support, highlighting that Petros’ involvement in the oil and gas sector aligns with Sarawak’s strategy to integrate fully into the economic ecosystem through cooperative principles. “We are not stingy. What we have, we share. Petronas and Petros must cooperate,” he remarked.