SIBU: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) fully support the call by the Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, for Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) to prioritise and conclude the long-standing commercial agreement with Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) by December 31 this year.
SUPP Youth Central Chairman, Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie, said that PETROS has been appointed as the sole gas aggregator effective February 1, 2024.
However, despite this clear mandate and the state government’s comprehensive Sarawak Gas Roadmap, negotiations on this agreement have dragged on unnecessarily.
“We strongly hope PETRONAS will act with urgency and sincerity to finalise the agreement no later than December 31, this year.
“It is deeply concerning that PETRONAS appears to prioritise new cooperation agreements with international partners from Italy and France, while the commercial agreement with PETROS continues to face delays.
“Such actions risk giving the impression that PETRONAS is more committed to its own corporate interests than to honouring Sarawak’s rights and contributing meaningfully to what it often describes as ‘the Malaysian story’,” he said in a statement.
Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Chairman, said the Sarawak Government has laid out a clear and forward-looking energy vision, especially in developing the local industries, expanding downstream gas utilisation, and advancing green energy and carbon management.
Thus, he stressed, close and genuine cooperation with PETROS is not only expected – it is mutually beneficial and crucial for strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global energy landscape.
“We therefore urge PETRONAS to prioritise and accelerate the completion of this agreement with PETROS without further delay, in the spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for Malaysia’s long-term energy security,” he urged.
Lau also said that Sarawak’s rights must be honoured, and every step forward in Sarawak’s development contributes directly to national strength, unity and economic resilience.
