GEDONG: The Sarawak government has reaffirmed that its gas aggregator initiative is part and parcel of state rights.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he would take the matter to court if anyone disrespected the matter.
“There is (a video) on TikTok saying that with an aggregator, Sarawak would gain RM100 billion per year. This is provocation,” he said.
He said this during the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth assembly at the Datuk Patinggi Ali Hall here on Sunday (Nov 10).
Recently, the Sarawak government confirmed that discussions between Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) on the implementation of the Sole Gas Aggregator arrangements under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016 are ongoing.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the state government has reiterated that under the ordinance, Petros has been appointed the Sole Gas Aggregator.
“There are no other gas aggregators in the State.
“Sarawak government reiterates that the ongoing discussions between Petronas and Petros ought to be concluded soonest,” he said in a statement.
Sarawak Tribune has also quoted Abang Johari as saying that Sarawak has reached a pivotal stage in securing Petros as the sole gas aggregator for the state.
He said while Petronas has expressed informal agreement on Petros’ exclusive aggregator role, formal notification has yet to be provided to the Utility and Telecommunication Minister.
“They have informed us, and the matter could officially be settled today. Meaning, we will continue our efforts as the aggregator, and further details will be discussed.
“In principle, Petronas has agreed that Petros will act as the only gas aggregator (in the state),” he said to reporters after visiting the residence of the President of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira here in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration on Oct 31.
In September, Abang Johari said the state government has set an October deadline for Petronas to finalise an agreement on Petros’ exclusive role as Sarawak’s gas aggregator.
Following the amended Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2023, Petros was appointed as the exclusive aggregator in February.
This role allows Petros to procure, distribute, and sell natural gas across Sarawak, thereby centralising control over the state’s gas assets under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap.