By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 18: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad’s (Petros) role as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak is non-negotiable, said Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunications (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
Updating the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) on the ongoing discussion between Petros and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), he said the matter regarding Petros’ appointment is final and non-negotiable—this means there will be no other gas aggregator in Sarawak other than Petros.
“Any party involved in gas distribution activities must apply for a license under Section 7 of the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016 (DGO 2016).
“To date, my ministry has issued one ‘Retail of Gas’ licence for upstream activities and 10 licences for downstream gas players.
“Failure to comply with this licensing requirement constitutes an offence under Section 20 of the Ordinance, which may result in fines, imprisonment, or both,” he said when tabling his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
He further questioned the resistance to Sarawak’s efforts to develop itself, especially when Sarawak’s development also contributed to Malaysia’s overall growth and prosperity.
“Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah. Therefore, this is not just about Sarawak’s interests but also about strengthening and enhancing the country’s economic sectors nationwide.
“It is time for Malaysia’s leaders to open their eyes and minds to a more comprehensive perspective on national development, beyond a ‘Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur-centric’ viewpoint. Let us not be overly centralist,” he added. — DayakDaily
