KUCHING: Kota Sentosa state assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the disclosure in Parliament that Sarawak contributed RM285.4 billion to Malaysia’s petroleum revenue between 2018 and 2024 highlights the state’s vital role in the national oil and gas industry.
He was referring to the statement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who revealed that Malaysia’s total petroleum revenue for the period amounted to RM775.2 billion — with Sarawak contributing RM285.4 billion, Peninsular Malaysia RM284.8 billion, and Sabah RM205 billion.
Yap said these figures, coupled with the investment-to-revenue ratios showing Sarawak at 40 percent, Peninsular Malaysia at 30 percent, and Sabah at 27 percent, confirm that Sarawak is Malaysia’s leading petroleum-producing region and a major destination for reinvestment.
“This strong performance reflects Sarawak’s good governance and prudent management of its natural resources,” he said.
Yap urged Petronas to fully honour the Commercial Settlement Agreement (CSA) signed with the Sarawak Government on December 7, 2020, by constructively engaging with Petros in all areas outlined under the agreement.
“The CSA provides a consultative framework for coordination and greater participation by Petros in oil and gas activities and investment opportunities. It also establishes joint mechanisms for strategic cooperation between Petronas and the Sarawak Government,” he said.
He stressed that Sarawak’s resource governance must reflect both the spirit of the CSA and the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO).
“To maintain public trust, ensure transparency in revenue reporting, and allow fair reinvestment into Sarawak’s socio-economic development, Petronas should continue to engage Petros meaningfully in planning and implementation of operations within the state,” he added.
Yap said the state government, under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has set clear goals to diversify Sarawak’s energy sector through hydrogen, renewable energy, and downstream petrochemical development under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“A sincere and cooperative partnership between Petronas and Petros will help realise these ambitions and strengthen Malaysia’s energy ecosystem,” he said.
Yap also emphasised that the relationship between the Federal and Sarawak Governments should not be treated as a zero-sum game but as a partnership that benefits both sides.
“When both levels of government work together in good faith, Sarawak can continue to contribute strongly to national prosperity while ensuring fair and sustainable development for its people,” he said.
By Connie Chieng