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Malaysia should preserve Petronas financial strength, says adviser

A senior government adviser has cautioned against drawing funds from the national oil company, warning that such measures could undermine its ability to generate revenue for Malaysia in the future.

LSN Malaysia · 29 August 2026

Malaysia should preserve Petronas financial strength, says adviser

Abd Halim Husin, an adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister's office, stressed the importance of maintaining Petronas's financial stability amid discussions about the state-owned enterprise's contributions to government coffers.

Withdrawing funds from Petronas in the near term could compromise the company's capacity to invest in upstream projects and explore new revenue streams, Husin cautioned. Such actions risk eroding the oil giant's long-term earning potential, he noted.

Petronas remains a critical pillar of Malaysia's economy, generating substantial foreign exchange and contributing significantly to federal revenues. The company's financial health directly impacts the nation's ability to fund development and infrastructure projects.

Husin's comments reflect ongoing government considerations about optimizing returns from state-owned entities while balancing immediate fiscal needs with long-term economic sustainability. The remarks underscore concerns within policymaking circles about preserving the institutional strength of Malaysia's key revenue generators.