By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 28: Sarawak is exempted from the requirements under Section 6(1) and (3) of the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 to obtain the Prime Minister’s permission to distribute gas, as federal laws such as the Gas Supply Act 1993 do not apply to the State.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made this clear during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting today, stressing that any perceived regulatory uncertainty has now been removed with the formalisation of the Joint Declaration on matters relating to Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), which he and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim signed on May 21, 2025.
“This Joint Declaration reaffirms that federal and State laws governing gas distribution shall be respected by all parties involved in the distribution and supply of gas in Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that the declaration formally acknowledges Sarawak’s executive authority over gas distribution. The Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016 remains the governing law for all such activities in the State.
Quoting a specific clause from the Joint Declaration, he stated: “All relevant Federal and Sarawak laws relating to the distribution of gas within the State of Sarawak shall coexist and be respected by all parties undertaking such activities in the State of Sarawak, including PETRONAS and PETROS.”
He underlined that Sarawak’s right to regulate and manage its own gas resources is now firmly affirmed and protected through this declaration.
“The declaration is a testament to the federal government’s recognition of Sarawak’s aspirations and the strong partnership between the State and Federal governments, anchored firmly in the spirit of true federalism,” Abang Johari said.
With Sarawak’s legislative and executive control over gas distribution reaffirmed, the Premier said the State government is moving ahead with strategic plans to increase gas production, encourage sustainable industrial use, and advance clean energy development as part of its broader energy transition agenda.
He also assured that Sarawak will maintain regulatory clarity and stability to bolster investor confidence and drive continued growth in the State’s gas industry. — DayakDaily
