KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 -- A growing dispute over regulatory control in Sarawak's gas sector has escalated into a national concern, with state demands challenging the existing energy framework led by Petronas, Malaysia's national oil company.

The issue began when Sarawak accused Petronas Carigali of operating without proper licensing under the state's Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO). The move provoked a nationwide reaction and prompted both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to publicly call for calm while talks continue.

At the core of the matter is Sarawak's push to make Petros, its state-owned energy company, the sole gas aggregator - a role traditionally held by Petronas.

He...