KUCHING, May 22 -- Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and its subsidiaries are not required to obtain a licence from the Sarawak government to operate in the state, but exemptions must be applied for, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

"We give them exemption if they apply, but they have to tell us, then we give them the exemption," he told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today.

Abang Johari clarified that while Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has been formally recognised as the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak under the new joint declaration between the federal and state governments, the authority to issue operating licences remains with the Ministry of Utility and Telecom...