The Sarawak and federal governments have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding state and federal laws governing petroleum and gas activities, with Petronas and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) working in partnership to advance both national and state interests.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in a statement today, emphasised that these laws include the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 and Sarawak's Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016.

He also expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for recognising Petros as the gas aggregator in Sarawak and for acknowledging the DGO 2016 as the legal framework enabling Sarawak's active participation in the oil and gas industry.

The statement followed Anwar's remarks in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday on gas distribution and Petros' role as the gas aggregator in the state.

Abang Johari clarified that while Petros assumes the gas aggregator role, existing contracts entered into by Petronas and its subsidiaries remain unaffected to ensure the company meets its domestic and international obligations.

"But the performance of such existing contracts must not in any way adversely affect the role of Petros as gas aggregator and be consistent with the provisions of the DGO 2016," he stressed.

He further stated that Sarawak is committed to ensuring the sustainable utilisation of gas resources to support industrial growth in the state, as well as to produce clean energy to meet demand in Peninsular Malaysia—aligning with the federal government's vision of Sarawak as Malaysia's clean energy hub.

To support this, the Sarawak government will seek federal approval for gas exploration in offshore areas of western Sarawak and other parts of the continental shelf to ensure Petronas can provide up to 1.2 billion standard cubic feet per day for domestic use.

Abang Johari also reaffirmed the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government's dedication to protecting Sarawak's constitutional rights under the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963.

He acknowledged that while Sarawakians aspire for improved gas utilisation and allocation, these goals must be balanced with the need to maintain the stability and growth of the oil and gas industry, especially amid global economic challenges and the transition towards renewable energy.