KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has underscored the need for ongoing collaboration between the federal and state governments in matters related to the oil and gas sector.
He said such cooperation is vital to ensure long-term benefits for both parties.
Abang Johari was responding to a recent disclosure in Parliament by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, that Malaysia’s petroleum revenue totalled RM775.2 billion for the period 2018-2024, with Sarawak contributing RM285.4 billion – the highest among all regions.
“Yes, indeed. We are the major producer in Malaysia. That’s why it is better for us to work together for the future benefit of both the federal and the state governments,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025 here on Friday.
On another matter, Abang Johari addressed allegations made by international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as the Bruno Manser Fund (BMF), on logging activities by Sarawak companies in Papua New Guinea.
He stressed that the allegations are baseless.
He said the state government was aware of such claims and noted that Manser was funded by the BMF, whose campaigns had persisted since his time overseeing the Penan community.
“Indeed, we are aware of that. He is funded by the Bruno Fund, and even back when I was responsible for the Penan community, their efforts never stopped. But I also know that other non-governmental organisations have seen what we have been doing.
“For example, as we saw earlier at Sungai Gat, Bakun, and Murum, there are community-based developments being carried out by Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB). I saw this myself at the exhibition earlier,” he added.
