KUCHING: Sarawak’s regulatory control over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) has been hailed as a major milestone under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), strengthening the state’s autonomy in the energy sector.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the achievement reflected the determination of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to safeguard State rights while ensuring resources are managed for the benefit of the people.
“With this autonomy, Sarawak now has the capacity to manage its own resources and drive more inclusive and sustainable development, especially for those in rural and interior regions.
“Despite our unique geographical challenges with vast areas and scattered population, the government remains committed to ensuring all Sarawakians enjoy balanced development,” he said.
He said this in his address during the parade held in conjunction with the 79th official birthday of the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at Padang Merdeka here today.
Abang Johari added that the State’s development policies were being aligned with current needs, such as the digital economy, green energy and human capital growth, while strengthening Sarawak’s ability to set its own policies in key sectors including education and healthcare.
“These efforts go hand in hand with our continued commitment to restore and defend Sarawak’s rights under MA63 for the well-being of our people,” he stressed.
He noted that since the introduction of the five per cent State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products in 2019, Sarawak had secured a greater share of oil and gas revenue.
“This bold move not only reinforced our rights over our own resources but also strengthened the State’s fiscal capacity to fund development programmes for the people,” he said.
To further unlock value from natural gas, Abang Johari said the state government had introduced the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) as a strategic guide to expand the downstream industry, including petrochemicals and gas-based manufacturing.
He said these initiatives gave Sarawak a distinct advantage in reshaping its economy and positioning the State as a new economic power in the region.
“Among the achievements from SGR is the operation of Sarawak’s own methanol plant in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu – a key step towards making the State a leader in the regional gas and petrochemical industry.
“In addition, natural gas is being used to generate electricity through combined-cycle gas turbine projects implemented by PETROS in Miri and by Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) in Bintulu, supporting our low-carbon energy agenda in line with Sarawak’s green and sustainable development goals,” Abang Johari added.
“The gas industry will be further strengthened with the construction of a green ammonia plant in Bintulu, which when completed will be the only one of its kind in the world.”
