No legal action by Petronas against Sarawak, says joint statement

 

Petronas has a monopoly over the extraction of oil and gas but the Sarawak government has sought greater control over the state’s natural resources. (Petronas pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

National oil company Petronas is not considering any legal action against Sarawak and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) as claimed by a news report, according to a joint statement issued after a meeting between the Sarawak government, Petronas and Petros today.

The Sarawak government, Petronas, and Petros confirm that discussions regarding gas distribution in Sarawak are currently ongoing between the parties and to be concluded soon,

 said the statement, issued through the office of the premier of Sarawak.

All parties respect and abide by federal and state laws regarding this matter.

Previously, a Singapore-based news portal had quoted anonymous government officials as saying Petronas was mulling legal action to defend its monopoly over the country’s petroleum and gas resources.

The report said the company was considering filing an injunction in the coming days to head off any confrontation between the federal government and Sarawak, as the latter was pushing for increased control over the trading and extraction of oil and gas and other related products.

The report also quoted lawyers as saying that unless the state government decides to resume negotiations with Petronas, the dispute could escalate into a full-blown court battle.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg had previously said talks with Petronas were continuing and were set to conclude before Oct 1. He dismissed reports that the discussions had hit an impasse. - FMT