BALINGIAN: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has drawn the ire of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The major oil and gas company continues to dilly dally on settling the five per cent sales tax imposed on exported oil and gas products that it should be paying Sarawak.
Two major oil exploration companies, Shell and Murphy Oil, have paid their five per cent to the state, revealed the chief minister.
The same, however, cannot be said of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), and because of that the chief minister called it ‘bengkeng’ (stubborn).
“(In this matter) Sarawak has the law on its side,” he said as he cited the 10th Schedule Act Part V(7) of the Federal Constitution during the ‘Leaders Meeting with the People’ programme at Dewan Suarah Mukah here yesterday night.
He pointed out that the introduction of the taxes is capable of generating RM3 billion for the state coffers thus providing a revenue stream to support and fund development programmes in the state.
Abang Johari also vowed to continue the efforts of his predecessor Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in recapturing eroded rights in terms of land laws pertaining to NCR and immigration.
He quashed rumours of any or attempt bid to repeal the state immigration laws to allow outsiders to freely enter the state.
“The leaders of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and I will continue to defend rights of the state,” he reiterated.
Also present were Urban Development and Natural Resources assistant minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Balingian assemblyman Yusuf Arbi, Jemoreng assemblyman Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya and Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad.
