51 Years Since PDA 1974 – Time to Restore Sarawak’s Rights

suppadmin | May 5, 2025

Kota Sentosa State Assemblyman, Wilfred Yap reckoned that for the past 51 years since the enactment of the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 and the formation of Petronas, it is timely to reflect on how this federal law has impacted Sarawak.

Sarawak, he said, as a founding partner of Malaysia, has long contributed its oil and gas resources in good faith, expecting fair treatment and equitable returns. Yet after more than five decades, it is clear that Sarawak has not received its due. While our resources have enriched the nation, our state continues to face development gaps, and our constitutional rights have not been fully upheld.

“Although the PDA 1974 gave Petronas regulatory control over petroleum resources, it does not override Sarawak’s inherent rights under the Sarawak Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016, and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The continued sidelining of Sarawak in funding and revenue-sharing matters is deeply unjust.

We must now reclaim the spirit of 1974—not to endorse federal dominance, but to demand fairness. Sarawak must assert full control over its oil and gas resources, and future dealings with Petronas and the federal government must reflect equality, not subjugation, ” he added.

He stated that the people of Sarawak call for:

A fair share of oil and gas revenue to be returned to the state.
Full respect for Sarawak’s rights under MA63, DGO, and OMO.
Equitable development funding to match our contributions—especially in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
After 51 years, Yap said the time has come for Putrajaya to correct these longstanding imbalances and recognise Sarawak as an equal partner in the federation.