By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 14: Petronas has acknowledged that Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) is now the third biggest oil company in Malaysia, registering a revenue of RM1.5 billion this year.
Commending Petros’ achievements, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Petros is now a billion-ringgit company which saw an increase in revenue from RM1.2 billion last year.
“I have done it, but there are still people who do not believe and keep asking how many billions have been generated (since the establishment of this Sarawak-owned oil company).
“They thought it was only RM3 billion but so far we have added RM10 billion into our coffer from oil and gas (alone),” he said in response to critics.
Abang Johari raised this when officiating at the Sarawakku Sayang Programme at Sibu’s Civic Centre which was streamed live via Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) Facebook today.
Furthermore, he added that Sarawak through Petros has acquired a 45 per cent share through a production sharing contract (PSC) with Petronas Carigali to explore one zone offshore of Miri.
“Petros will bring additional revenue for Sarawak which will go back to the people through various developments, especially the mega projects.
“This is what we have done in five years only. Now we can develop big or mega projects (in Sarawak). Of course they are mega because the cost is high as some of them involve building bridges. There is no bridge that costs only RM100,” he said.
With Batang Lasak Bridge costing RM600 million and Paloh Bridge at RM300 million, Abang Johari emphasised that all these would benefit the rural people and to bring positive impact to rural areas.
“Some say Abang Jo is everything mega. ‘Memang lah’ (of course) mega. We invested a substantial amount of money to level up rural areas and communities.
“This includes bringing basic utilities of water and electricity to the people, especially in rural areas. Projects through Sawas (Sarawak Alternative Water Supply) and Sares (Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme) are about RM6 billion. All these developments are meant for the people,” he said.
Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, GPS candidates Clarence Ting (for Sibu) and Wong Ching Yong (Lanang) were among those present. — DayakDaily
