KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 15): Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recognition of Sarawak state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) as the state's gas aggregator.
The state government and Petros will work closely with the federal government and national oil company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) “to ensure that Petros carries out its role as the sole gas aggregator without interruption to the supply of gas for consumers, including investors”, said Abang Johari in a statement on Wednesday.
The collaboration will drive Malaysia, and in particular Sarawak, into becoming “an energy hub”.
“This cooperation will also enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness in attracting investments, technological research and new industries, particularly petrochemical derivatives, and thus be aligned towards the creation of high-paying jobs and the economic growth of the nation,” said Abang Johari, who is also known as Abang Jo.
A day earlier, Anwar was reported as saying that while Petros had been granted authority as Sarawak's gas aggregator, it would not interfere with Petronas' existing operations.
“Petronas retains its authority nationwide, but allows Sarawak control over gas distribution for domestic purposes. This exemplifies cooperation between the two entities,” Anwar was quoted as saying during a press conference in Abu Dhabi.
“Premier Abang Johari has introduced new initiatives, similar to Petronas' inclusive approach. For projects in Sarawak, Petronas involves Petros, while Petros includes Petronas in exploration, hydrogen ventures, and other efforts within Malaysia,” Anwar was also reported as saying.
The prime minister also reportedly assured that granting Petros sole authority as the gas aggregator in Sarawak should not raise concerns, as any related projects — particularly those requiring substantial financing — will still inevitably involve Petronas.
However, Anwar did not provide further details of how the Petros-Petronas cooperation will work out.
According to Sarawak state laws, the gas aggregator refers to the appointed party “to procure natural gas for distribution or supply”, and to “develop, expand and maintain the gas distribution network and system” in Sarawak — a key gas-producing state whose supply powers countries like South Korea, Japan, and China.
That role has always been undertaken by Petronas, as it does the same for the rest of the country. But Petros has been appointed as the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak since Feb 1, 2024, following an amendment to the state's Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016.
Since then, the federal government, together with Petronas, has been in talks with Petros and Sarawak on the division of responsibilities and authority regarding gas distribution in Sarawak.