KUCHING: Sarawak’s complete control over its onshore oil and gas resources is of paramount importance to the state’s future, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth deputy chief Miro Simuh.
The issuance of mining leases to Sarawak’s own oil and gas company, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) would not only benefit the state but also provide job opportunities.
“First of all, I am proud of Petros, our own oil and gas company.
“This shows that the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is serious about exercising the state’s constitutional rights to our oil and gas resources,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Sunday (Nov 1).
“I hope Petros will generate more revenue for the state government for the benefit of the people,” added Miro, who is also the Serembu assemblyman.
Last Friday, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said Petros would embark on onshore oil explorations throughout the state.
“The Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 has never been repealed even during the period of the 1969 Proclamation of Emergency. This commitment is exemplified by the issuance of mining leases to Petros in respect of two blocks — one in the Adong Kecil area west of Miri and another in the Engkabang area south of Marudi.
“This signals the beginning of the state government’s efforts to exercise Sarawak’s constitutional rights to regulate oil mining under the state laws to take complete control of the exploration and production of petroleum in the onshore areas,” said Abang Johari.
