Sarawak to regulate oil and gas from July 1
SIBU: Beginning July 1, Sarawak will implement regulatory rights on oil and gas activities in the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this following the Federal Court’s dismissal of the Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) application for leave to commence proceedings against the Sarawak Government’s move to regulate the state’s petroleum activities.
He said the state government’s move was in accordance with the law stipulated in the Federal Constitution that must be complied with by all parties.
“This means that some of the powers under the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 will be implemented by Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Bhd),” he added.
Abang Johari said this when asked to comment on the Federal Court’s decision while attending the Nangka state constituency’s Aidilfitri gathering at the MUC Hall here yesterday.
On Friday, Chief Judge of Malaya, Tan Sri Ahmad Maarop dismissed Petronas’ application after deciding that the Federal Court could not hear the matter as the declaratory relief sought by the national oil company was not covered under the jurisdiction of the Federal Court, but the High Court.
Abang Johari said only the Sarawak Government had the rights to regulate the oil and gas activities from the point of law as stipulated in the Federal Constitution.