BY NATASHA JEE & KAREN MASING
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has reaffirmed that there is no unresolved dispute between state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) regarding oil and gas matters.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg clarified the issue, saying that there is finality.
“There is finality only that there are still grey areas which is wrong information.
“Actually, it is very ‘clear water’ but becomes ‘grey’ because of wrong information,” he said.
He said this to the media in a press conference after witnessing the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signing ceremony for the acquisition of MASwings between the Sarawak government and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) at a leading hotel on Wednesday (Feb 12).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was present, said the strong working relationship between the federal and Sarawak governments, all issues, including those related to oil and gas, are able to be addressed amicably.
“The Prime Minister has already provided clear explanations in the Cabinet, and the Cabinet ministers have reached a consensus for us to solve the issue between federal and Sarawak in a good way, and in a win-win situation.
“So, there is no losing party that gives up anything on their respective rights. So both parties win. It’s a win-win situation.
“This is the principle that guides us on the relationship between the federal and state governments that will result in the development of Sarawak and Malaysia,” Loke said.
He also said agreement between the two oil companies is expected to be announced soon.
“I believe that there will be an announcement on the agreement between PETROS and PETRONAS and I am confident in the wisdom of the Prime Minister and Sarawak Premier.
“These two leaders are very wise in handling this issue and I am confident that when the announcement is made, it will bring results that will benefit all parties,” he said.
Loke added there is no issue that cannot be resolved between the federal and Sarawak government.
On Bintulu Port, Loke said discussions on transferring regulatory control of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government are progressing well.
“As of now, it is the issue of evaluation and there will be further discussion, and I am sure based on the spirit of cooperation, everything can be completed,” he said.
It was recently reported that Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd entered into a third interim agreement with the federal Ministry of Transport and Bintulu Port Authority to extend its operation of Bintulu Port for an additional 12 months.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Bintulu Port said the extension will run from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2025 or until the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu district to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Act 2024 and the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Act 2024 come into effect, whichever comes first.
