KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 15): Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s office has denied a social media posting claiming the Sarawak chief minister had issued an ultimatum to Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) that it must obtain a prospecting licence under the Sarawak Oil Mining Ordinance 1958.

“The office wishes to clarify that the chief minister has never issued such an ultimatum to Petronas, though the onus is on Petronas to comply with the state law like any other company with prospecting and mining interests in Sarawak.

“He has always stressed that Sarawak will work alongside Petronas through its newly-formed oil company, Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Bhd) in the oil and gas industry in Sarawak, within the ambit of the law and constitution,” the office said in a statement.

The social media posting had stated that if Petronas fails to comply, Malaysian oil rig workers’ visas will be cancelled and all drilling works ceased, while licence fees must be paid — backdated to 1974 — including interests.

The posting also stated that the Sarawak government must get a 70% share of oil and gas income and royalties of 50% to make up for loss of revenue and development opportunities, alleging Petronas had “illegally extracted our oil and gas”.

“The fake news is very much regretted,” Abang Johari’s office said.