(Kuala Lumpur, Thursday): DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw urges Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), to improve its contributions to the country, such as in health, education, environemnt, human resource and social responsiblity, as a truly global player.

After reading through the 2006 annual report of Petronas Gas, Dr Tan urges the company to do so. The financial year of the company ends on 31 March each year.

Petronas's revenue has increased from RM1.9496 billion in 2002 to RM 2.3073 billion in 2005 and RM2.8393 billion in 2006. In 2006, the total assets and profit before tax are RM9.3972 billion and RM1.0249 billion respectively.

Petronas engages in domestic operations, export and international operations in 31 countries. Last week, it bought US$1.1 billion shares in the Russian petrolium company, OAO Rosnet. Petronas president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Merican said that Russia has huge oil and gas resources.

"As Petronas aspires to become a global player, it is a logical thing for us to do as the opportunity is there," he added.

According to the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Abdul Rahman Suliman, last year Petronas contributed RM31.2 billion while this year it had so far contributed RM41.7 billion in the form of taxes, dividends, royalties as well as export duties.

As Petronas is becoming a global player, we hope that it steps up its corporate responsibilities such as in health, education, environment, human resource and social responsibility. As world petrol prices continue to go up, the Government reduces petrol subsidies and the business atmosphere is not that good, Petronas continues to make profits. The company should contribute more to the nation.

(27/07/2006)