The Sarawak oil saga

August 2017

Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announces the formation of the state-owned oil exploration company Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros).

September 21, 2017

Petros advertises to hire a new chief executive officer (CEO).

March 6, 2018

Official launch of Petros to spearhead Sarawak’s participation in the oil and gas (O&G) sector.

Notes: Petros will be granted rights to mine oil and natural gas in Sarawak. Petros will delegate O&G regulatory and supervisory authority. Abang Johari announces the appointment of Saau Kakok as Petros’ first CEO.

April 7, 2018

Dissolution of Parliament.

April 13, 2018

The Sarawak State Attorney-General issues an official letter to Petronas to notify that the state government will regulate the activities in the O&G sector beginning July 1.

April 19, 2018

The Sarawak Chief Minister says that Petronas must only deal with Petros to produce or extract O&G in Sarawak.

May 22, 2018

Petronas responds to the Sarawak State Attorney-General stating that it disagrees with the state and that the company is not required to apply for any such licences or leases from the state.

June 4, 2018

Petronas takes legal action against the Sarawak government.