Lau questions the focus on Sarawak in proposed RCI

SIBU: Senator Robert Lau has welcomed the proposal by former minister Zaid Ibrahim for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to examine how PETRONAS' wealth has been utilised, particularly concerning management, transparency and fairness in resource distribution among states. However, Lau noted that Zaid’s support appeared "conditional," as it was accompanied by a...

Malaysia agrees to boost tech, LNG purchases from U.S. as part of trade deal

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will spend up to US$150bil in the next five years to buy equipment from U.S. multinationals for its semiconductor, aerospace and data centre sectors, part of a deal with Washington to cut tariffs, its trade minister said on Monday. The United States announced last week that it would impose a 19% tariff on...

Petronas prioritises employee welfare amid strategic workforce rightsizing

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) remains committed to safeguarding employee welfare amid a global polycrisis and mounting challenges in maximising the country’s oil and gas potential. The national oil company announced plans for workforce adjustments, estimating a 10% reduction as part of a group-wide restructuring to cut costs amid falling crude prices and continued market...

Joint declaration with Putrajaya allows Sarawak to exempt PETRONAS from licensing requirements, says Abang Johari

KUCHING: Sarawak can exempt PETRONAS and its subsidiaries from licensing requirements to operate in the state following the signing of a joint declaration with the federal government, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said the declaration served as a guide for how PETRONAS would conduct its operations in Sarawak in collaboration with state-owned...

‘No updates till now’

RESIDENTS affected by the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya in Selangor, are asking for updates on the RM2,000 monthly rental aid promised by the state government. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari had announced that victims would get RM2,000 monthly, for up to six months, to cover rent for temporary housing. He said this...

Putra Heights inferno: Relief efforts must be coordinated with S’gor MB, PETRONAS, says PM

PETALING JAYA: All forms of aid or assistance for victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire must go through the Selangor government or PETRONAS, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said this was to ensure that all aid efforts would be conducted in an orderly and effective manner. “All forms of assistance and coordination...

Putra Heights inferno: Dr M urges public to stop finger-pointing, speculating

KUALA LUMPUR: There should not be any unnecessary finger-pointing over the gas pipeline explosion and fire in Putra Heights, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The former prime minister said the matter must be studied thoroughly while also expressing displeasure at speculations. “We don’t know just yet and can’t go around accusing people. We have to investigate. “If we...

Putra Heights inferno: No gas detected in pipeline, recovery work deemed safe, say cops

KUALA LUMPUR: The recovery work in the area of the gas pipeline blaze at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, is currently safe, as no gas content has been detected in the pipeline, say Asst Comm Wan Azlan Wan Mamat. The Subang Jaya OCPD said that PETRONAS had conducted an inspection and found that the...

Subang Jaya inferno: Chronology of events

KUALA LUMPUR: The gas pipeline inferno at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor, on Tuesday (April 1) morning sent shockwaves through the surrounding community, with some describing it as like a massive earthquake. Flames soared tens of metres into the sky, visible from several kilometres away. Rescue and firefighting efforts continue to contain the...

Subang Jaya inferno: Govt, PETRONAS to repair, replace damaged houses, says PM

PETALING JAYA: The Federal and State governments as well as PETRONAS will be responsible for repairing and replacing damaged houses, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He added that PETRONAS will provide cash aid to victims of the inferno at Putra Heights. According to Anwar, those whose homes were completely destroyed will get RM5,000 in assistance,...