KUCHING: The final agreement between Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) is expected to be reached in the near future following the positive development of ongoing negotiations involving the two energy companies.

Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that he had received the latest report on the progress of the negotiations and described it as very encouraging.

He expressed appreciation towards the role of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof as the Chairman of the Technical Committee under the Action Council for the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MTPMA63) which also contributed in finding the best solution.

"I hope that in the near future we can reach a final agreement between PETRONAS and PETROS to raise our economic standing in Sarawak and also in Malaysia," he said.

He said this while speaking at the Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration Dinner 2026 officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), on Sunday.

Also present to enliven the ceremony were the wife of the Sarawak Governor Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg and his daughter Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari.

Commenting further, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that together with Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, they emphasised PETRONAS and PETROS to prioritise mutual interests and establish close cooperation for a mutually beneficial outcome.

He said, both the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government urged that this matter be resolved fairly, equitably and justly between the two strategic partners as a team.

He added that the opportunities available through strategic cooperation between the two energy companies are significant and need to be utilised optimally in order to improve the well-being of the people and boost the nation’s economic growth.

Dato Seri Anwar stressed that the Federal Government continues to stand by the position that was expressed in the understanding between him and the Sarawak Premier.

“This is the first understanding, where we respect each other’s rights, rules and laws.

"Secondly, we call for PETRONAS and PETROS to work together to elevate the standing of Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.

"This can be done and must be done through mutual commitment," he emphasised.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Dewan Negara Speaker Senator Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Sarawak Deputy Premier and Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2026 Main Committee Chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Federal and Sarawak Cabinet Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Organising Chairman Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Ministers, heads of departments and other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery & George Embie
Translator: Nerissa Sia