Not aiming to weaken Petronas, clarifies Armizan
By Hayati Dzulkifli | Sunday, September 14, 2025
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amirul Armizan stressed today that the government’s latest resource taxation proposals are not intended to undermine Petronas, the national oil and gas champion long hailed as Malaysia’s “golden goose.”
“We deeply appreciate Petronas’s role in our nation’s progress over the last fifty years,” he stated. “Our objective is to ensure this key asset adapts and prospers amid shifts in the global energy sector, while also securing equitable returns for Malaysians.”
Armizan delivered his remarks against the backdrop of talks about amending petroleum production sharing agreements and setting a minimum tax threshold for hydrocarbon enterprises. Opponents caution that steeper charges might deter investment and squeeze Petronas’s margins.
“Any revisions will be measured and phased in,” the deputy minister assured. “We remain dedicated to fostering a favorable climate for upstream oil and gas participants, both local and foreign. To attract the expertise, technology and capital essential for future exploration and output, Petronas must stay competitive.”
He noted that the government plans thorough consultations with industry stakeholders before finalising any fresh fiscal regime. “Engaging openly will enable us to design policies that encourage sustainable expansion, safeguard national interests, and maintain investor trust,” Armizan added.
Earlier in the year, Petronas announced record profits, buoyed by surging global crude prices and efficiency measures. The corporation has also fast-tracked diversification into renewables, petrochemicals and liquefied natural gas to lessen dependency on oil revenues.
“Petronas’s evolution is in full swing,” Armizan observed. “Through collaboration—among the government, industry and civil society—we can ensure it remains a global energy leader that serves every Malaysian.”
The Finance Ministry aims to table detailed measures in the upcoming parliamentary sitting. Meanwhile, Armizan urged calm and patience: “Our intention is not to weaken anyone. We simply seek a fairer sharing of wealth derived from our natural assets.”
📊 Market Context & Insight
The Malaysian property sector is driven by urban growth in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang, state schemes like PR1MA, monetary policy shifts by Bank Negara Malaysia, and major infrastructure projects such as MRT3 and LRT network extensions. The performance of REITs on Bursa Malaysia also mirrors prevailing economic trends.
💡 What This Means for Malaysian Investors
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. Please consult licensed property agents or financial advisors in Malaysia before investing.
🔗 Useful Resources
Investors may consider rental residences, affordable housing projects, commercial spaces, and Bursa-listed REITs. With increasing urbanisation and rental demand, balancing physical property holdings with listed REITs can mitigate risk while capturing potential gains.
