State government wants Sarawakian oil and gas (O&G) companies to take part actively in the exploration of O&G industry in the state, particularly in Miri which housed Malaysia’s first oil well in Canada Hill.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government has issued a license to its wholly-owned O&G company, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) to explore the oil and gas industry in Miri.

“We will pursue participation in term of economic diversification including digital economy and agriculture.

“Sarawakians have to be part actively in what Miri is famous for its oil and gas industry. Thus, we have given license to PETROS to explore the oil and gas in Miri,” he stated when delivering his speech during Chinese New Year (CNY) Gathering organised by Federation of Miri Division Chinese Associations Sarawak at Imperial Hotel on Friday.

The gathering, attended by some 700 guests, was graced by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Ragad Kurdi Taib.

To protect the rights of the state, Abang Johari said the state is now exercising its power under the Constitution which demanded non-Sarawakian oil company to get license for operating in Sarawak.

Thus, he assured Sarawakians that there is room for local participation not only in oil and gas industry but also explore the hydrocarbon within the state borders.

“Last time, there is no opportunity for Sarawakian companies to be involved in oil and gas industry but now we can because we have the right to exercise our power.

“That is the strength that we have and I urge the people in Miri to stand behind us. It is because there are a lot of thing that we can do to further transform Sarawak into a real progress state by 2030.”

Also present were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Rural Electricity Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and wife Datin Patinggi Puan Sri Datuk Lorna Enan Muloon, Miri mayor Adam Yii, president of the Miri Division Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak Hii Teck Yun, organising chairlady Wong Siew Wei and other Chinese dignitaries.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Norni Mahadi

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