KUCHING – The Sarawak government has pledged to strengthen security measures around the Bintulu liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility following a reported threat received by Petronas employees.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the state government is taking the matter seriously by working closely with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and other security agencies to ensure the safety of key national assets.
“The government will increase security, including through the establishment of a naval base, a new army battalion, and additional police forces to maintain control in Bintulu,” he told reporters after visiting the PDRM Tabuan Jaya Housing Complex on Saturday.
The Premier emphasised that Bintulu holds strategic importance as Malaysia’s main industrial hub, while also pointing out that Sarawak’s Sama Jaya Industrial Zone is closely monitored due to its proximity to the Tabuan Jaya Police Housing Complex.
The statement comes after Petronas employees reportedly received a threatening text message from an Indonesian phone number, warning of potential danger to the LNG facility in Bintulu.
Abang Johari, however, cautioned against overreacting, noting that such threats could be linked to social media speculation.
“Some may be slanderous, some may be mere speculation. But regardless, we will always remain vigilant,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail confirmed that the Sarawak police contingent has been deployed to safeguard the LNG facility. He also assured that investigations are ongoing in cooperation with regional authorities.
“We are working with Indonesian police and other neighbouring countries since the phone number involved is registered outside Malaysia,” he explained.
Also present during the event were Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, and Security and Enforcement Unit Director Abdul Wahab Rahim.
The Premier also handed over four-wheel drive vehicles to the JSJN Sarawak during the visit, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to enhancing law enforcement capabilities. — UKAS EDITION