Anwar speaks during the briefing session with editors-in-chief of local and international media in Putrajaya today. – Bernama photo
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, emphasized that Malaysia must acknowledge the need to reduce its reliance on dividends from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas). He pointed out that Petronas functions as a commercial entity, with its performance intricately linked to the fluctuations of global oil prices.
He further elaborated that the dividends paid by Petronas to the government are influenced by market conditions and the overall performance of the oil and gas sector, which is often volatile in the current uncertain global climate.
Market-Driven Dividends
“Petronas is a commercial entity. The dividend depends on the performance and the price of petroleum. We have to accept reality,” Anwar stated during a comprehensive briefing with editors-in-chief from both local and international media outlets.
In response to inquiries regarding concerns over the declining dividend payouts from the state-owned oil company and whether this trend is anticipated to persist, Anwar acknowledged the government’s desire for increased dividends to support national development.
Future Economic Strategies
However, he stressed that such aspirations must be tempered by the current global conditions affecting the oil and gas industry. “As much as we want more dividends, we also have to look at what is happening globally and within the oil and gas industry,” he remarked.
Anwar advocated for a focus on establishing new business ventures and economic drivers that will provide sustainable revenue for the government in the future.
Petronas, recognized as the only Fortune 500 company in Malaysia, is the largest contributor to the national treasury. According to the Finance Ministry’s Fiscal Outlook and Federal Government Revenue Estimates 2026 report, the government anticipates receiving a RM20 billion dividend from Petronas next year, in contrast to the RM32 billion that the company had committed to for 2025.
Looking Ahead
During the Budget 2026 presentation in Parliament in October, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan indicated that the government is basing its forecasts on the expectation that oil prices will range between US$60 and US$65 per barrel next year, which could result in decreased petroleum-related revenue.
Attending the event were notable figures such as Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, CEO of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. In total, 92 media personnel, both local and international, were present at the briefing. – Bernama
The post Petronas dividends subject to global oil market performance, says Anwar appeared first on Borneo Post Online.
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