The national oil company named the federal and Sarawak governments as respondents.

In a statement, it said the suit was not meant to challenge Sarawak’s development aspirations or hinder Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), the state’s sole gas aggregator.

“Instead, it seeks a definitive determination by the Federal Court on the legal position applicable to the petroleum sector in the state,” it said.

Petronas said the decision to file the motion followed a series of dialogues and negotiations with Petros, as well as with both federal and state authorities, since 2024.

It said while progress has been achieved on many commercial arrangements and partnerships, including the landmark commercial settlement agreement (CSA) signed in 2020, differences remain.

This had led to uncertainty over Petronas’s obligations in Sarawak, it said.

Petronas also reaffirmed its commitment to safe, reliable and efficient operations in Sarawak.

It said business activities will continue as usual, and that it will work constructively towards arrangements that advance Sarawak’s development aspirations while ensuring Malaysia’s overall prosperity.

The CSA, which came into effect on Dec 7, 2020, stipulates a greater share of revenues from oil and gas found and produced in Sarawak.

It also provides for a more active involvement by the state in the oil and gas industry through the management of onshore oil and gas resources via Petros.