KUCHING: The appointment of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), a company owned by the Sarawak Government as the sole gas aggregator in the state is final and non-negotiable.

This was explained by the Minister of Utility and Telecommunications (MUT), Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi while insisting that there is no other gas aggregator in Sarawak.

He said that PETROS, which was appointed as the sole gas aggregator with effect from 1 February 2024, will play a role in carrying out activities related to the procurement, supply, distribution and sale of natural gas in Sarawak.

"Gas aggregators are also responsible for the planning, development, operation and maintenance of the natural gas distribution network system in Sarawak.

"Here, I would like to inform you of the latest developments where PETROS and PETRONAS are in discussions, especially regarding technical aspects."

He said this while wrapping up the debate for his ministry at the 19th Sarawak  Legislative Assembly Sitting on Monday.

In this regard, Dato Sri Julaihi reminded any party that carries out gas distribution activities to apply for a license under Section 7, Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016 (DGO 2016).

He said, as of today, MUT has issued 'Retail of Gas' licenses to 13 upstream gas players and 10 licenses to downstream gas players.

"Failure to comply with this licensing requirement is an offense under Section 20 of the Ordinance which can be subject to fines and imprisonment and both," he said.

Dato Sri Julaihi once again asserted that the time has come for Sarawak to take advantage of its own natural gas resources to develop the state.

He explained that Sarawak contributes 60 percent of natural gas resources in Malaysia, but 94 percent of this natural gas production is exported and not utilized for the development of local industry in Sarawak.

"The time has come for Malaysian leaders to open their eyes and minds to see a more comprehensive national development perspective and not be bound by the development perspective around Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur only.

"Don't be too 'centralist'," he stressed again. - UKASnews