By Christopher Lidom and Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, July 1: The ‘brotherhood’ between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) is based on equal partnership, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said that when it comes to the oil and gas (O&G) industry, Petros and PETRONAS are collaborating to manage it while exploring new venues to find ways and means to mitigate climate change.
“Meaning that Petros and PETRONAS are partners, there is no (such thing as) ‘big brother’ or ‘small brother’. Both are siblings to manage the oil and gas industry,” he said during the Sarawak government and PETRONAS appreciation ceremony for vendors in the oil and gas industry held at the Hilton Hotel here today.
Abang Johari said PETRONAS started as a player in the oil and gas industry at the beginning of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74).
However, he pointed out that Sarawak has been a player in the industry since 1910, which is why Sarawakians are familiar with the industry to the extent of working with PETRONAS.
“This time, a Sarawakian company is also helping PETRONAS through their Production Sharing Contract (PSC) partners.
“In other words, Sarawak has been there since 1910, not only from 1974; therefore, with that background and experience, we are setting up our own Petros in order to be a partner with PETRONAS,” he added.
Apart from that, Abang Johari said Sarawak is also partnering with PETRONAS in research to produce alternative energy.
He also said that Sarawak is going to be the main player in producing hydrogen by splitting hydrogen and oxygen molecules through the electrolysis technique, which is still costly.
“We are now working with PETRONAS to reduce the cost of producing hydrogen using new electrolysers,” he said. — DayakDaily
