'Authorities to monitor Petronas new exploration project closely'

 

Authorities will closely monitor Petrona’s new oil and gas exploration project at the Langkasuka basin, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

This is to ensure that the project complies with all environmental safety requirements and is carried out responsibly, he said.

"We will monitor the project closely. We do this with every new project.

"We believe that any new project must comply with a set environmental standard and a very high standard of responsibility to the society," he told a press conference at PKR headquarters in Petaling Jaya today.

The assurance came after the project received pushback from RimbaWatch.

The environmental watchdog cautioned against possible implications of the project in the north of the Malacca Straits, saying that it detracts from Malaysia’s mitigation responsibilities, and threatens coastal marine biodiversity, livelihoods of fishing communities and local tourism.

Nik Nazmi said the government holds onto the consensus reached at COP28 (UN Climate Change Conference), where nations agreed to transition away from fossil fuels.

However, there also has to be a fair transition process, especially for developing countries like Malaysia, he added.

"I believe Petronas also gives its attention to this. They are among the companies that are very sensitive about the need to have a fair transition towards a more sustainable energy source in the future," he said. - Mkini