KUCHING: The Sarawak Government's claim to oil and gas resources on the seabed and subsoil of the continental shelf is well-founded and in line with the provisions of the Federal Constitution.

Satok Assemblyman Dato Ibrahim Baki stressed that Sarawak upholds its rights provided under national and state laws, including the right to issue exploration licences, mining leases and petroleum mining certificates.

"The Oil Mining Ordinance is a law that is within the jurisdiction of the Sarawak legislature to be enacted.

"This ordinance remains valid, in force and has not been repealed," he said.

He said this while debating the Supply (2025) Bill, 2024 during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting on Friday.

Dato Ibrahim also emphasised that the Sarawak Government's right to ensure compliance with its laws should not be questioned by any party.

He described any action that challenges Sarawak's legal rights and powers as a violation of provisions clearly enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

He also informed about the development of the Digital Innovation Centre in the Satok area which is expected to be completed in the near future.

"This innovation centre has great potential to drive local economic growth by providing space for start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to make this center their base of operations," he explained.

In other developments, Dato Ibrahim also suggested that the Satok Sports Centre be upgraded to increase the capacity of the centre to accommodate more locals to carry out sports activities and competitions. - UKASnews