KUCHING, Jan 17: The development and extraction of oil and gas resources in Sarawakâs territorial waters and continental shelf remain a critical focus for the state.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah stressed that currently, with PETROSâ appointment as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak, the focus should be on maximizing economic benefits for the nation while navigating the evolving landscape.
“What is most important is that the gas available in Sarawakâs mainland and continental shelf is extracted and that it contributes economically to Malaysia,” he told reporters after the press conference of Kuching Metro Electric bus Route 103 realignment on Friday.
When asked on whether Sarawak will shift its stance on the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), Karim said that while laws are man-made, adjustments should be made where necessary.
“If the laws arenât aligned, we try to fine-tune them, thatâs how I look at it. We donât let the laws frustrate or hinder the development or extraction of resources for the betterment of Malaysia.”
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has already agreed for Sarawak to be the aggregator, hence itâs not for us to say that the PDA is not applicableâit still is, but when it comes to gas in Sarawak, we refer to Sarawak, namely Petros as the aggregator.
âBoth can be utilized in their own capacities,â Karim added.
However, he noted that recent legal developments have emphasized the stateâs authority in matters pertaining to land as well as maritime.
“Itâs just that the other laws available, like the Land Code, and the laws on oil and gas are newer, and now, Sarawakâs jurisdiction and authority over these matters are clearer than before.
âThe state’s legal framework has adapted to reflect Sarawakâs growing role in resource extraction, particularly through the implementation of the Land Code, which extends to land, the continental shelf, and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surrounding the state.
“This is why we gazetted the Luconia Shores as our marine park, because national parks and marine parks come under the jurisdiction of the state,â he reaffirmed.
On January 16, Anwar announced that the issue of gas distribution rights in Sarawak between Petronas and PETROS has been resolved.
It followed discussions with the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg that the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA) remains the overarching framework governing Malaysiaâs oil and gas industry.
The Federal Government also recognises that PETROS was established to enable Sarawak to pursue its own gas exploration and distribution initiatives. – TVS
