Kuala Lumpur: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) has invested more than RM600 million in education and human capital development initiatives in Sarawak over the past decade, announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He highlighted that approximately 680,000 Sarawakians have benefited from scholarships and training programs designed for educators, while 4,300 individuals have secured employment opportunities with Petronas.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar emphasized the significant revenue generated by Petronas, which has been instrumental in establishing the company as Malaysia's primary financial resource since the early days of nation-building. This has significantly contributed to the nation's economic growth and development. He credited Sarawak, known as the Land of the Hornbills, and the strong cooperative relationship between the state and federal governments for this success. Consequently, there have been adjustments and recognitions made to acknowledge the role of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in driving the state's economic growth.
Anwar made these remarks during an information session in the Dewan Rakyat on petroleum activities in Sarawak involving Petronas and Petros. He also referenced his previous statement from January 14, where he noted that issues related to gas distribution rights in Sarawak between Petronas and Petros had been resolved through negotiations, including discussions with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
At the briefing, Anwar reiterated that Petronas has fulfilled its national mandate with strong management, earning recognition as a global leader in the petroleum industry and serving as a key revenue generator for Malaysia's national budget for nearly 50 years. With Petros's emergence, it is crucial to strengthen understanding and cooperation to maintain harmony within the Federation.
He indicated the necessity of formalizing an agreement to ensure the continued governance and expansion of the petroleum and gas industry, aligning with the mandate of the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974, while acknowledging Petros's role. Anwar expressed gratitude to Petronas and the Cabinet for their decision to designate Petros as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak and to the Sarawak government for its full cooperation.
Lastly, Anwar expressed his gratitude, stating, "We are grateful to Allah SWT that this agreement has been maintained and further strengthened to safeguard the well-being of the nation and the state of Sarawak."