PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS) stands as the cornerstone of Malaysia’s modern economic identity — a corporation entrusted with the stewardship of the nation’s most strategic resource.

As the national oil company, it holds full ownership and control over Malaysia’s petroleum resources, transforming the country from a resource-rich land into a resource-governing nation.

Its journey reflects a powerful truth — that sovereignty is not defined by borders alone, but by control over what lies beneath them.

Founder:

Government of Malaysia under the Petroleum Development Act 1974

Current Leadership:

President & Group CEO: Tengku Muhammad Taufik

The leadership continues to guide the organisation with a mandate rooted in national stewardship, global competitiveness, and sustainable energy transition.

Some companies are built on opportunity — PETRONAS was built on necessity.

Before 1974, Malaysia’s oil and gas industry was largely controlled by foreign corporations, where resources existed but authority did not.

In response, PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD was established as a national instrument to reclaim ownership of its energy resources and redefine economic control.

In its earliest days, the organisation operated with a small team and limited infrastructure, yet carried the responsibility of negotiating with global oil companies and building domestic expertise.

Through the introduction of production-sharing contracts, PETRONAS transformed Malaysia’s role in the global energy industry from passive host to active partner, ensuring that national interests remained central.

From that moment forward, oil and gas were no longer extracted for external gain, but developed as strategic national assets.

Its journey reflects a powerful truth — that control of resources is the foundation of economic destiny.

Core Activities include:

• Upstream exploration and production of oil and gas

• Midstream processing, LNG, and transportation

• Downstream refining, marketing, and distribution

• Petrochemicals, trading, and clean energy development

The Group’s operational model focuses on fully integrated energy management, from resource ownership and upstream development to refining, petrochemicals, retail, trading, and new energy solutions. By controlling multiple stages of the energy value chain, PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD positions itself as both Malaysia’s national energy steward and a global integrated energy corporation.

Notable Offerings Include:

• Crude oil and natural gas production

• Liquefied Natural Gas exports

• Petrochemical products and industrial materials

• Retail fuels and integrated energy solutions

These offerings have enabled PETRONAS to serve domestic energy needs, international markets, industrial customers, motorists, petrochemical users, and global trading partners. Its portfolio connects exploration, production, processing, distribution, and energy innovation across multiple markets and industries.

1974 – Establishment of PETRONAS

1976 – Introduction of production-sharing contracts

1980s – Development of domestic gas infrastructure and refining capacity

1990s – Expansion into international markets

2010s – Growth into global integrated energy corporation

2020s – Transition towards cleaner and sustainable energy

PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD secured Malaysia’s sovereignty over petroleum resources, giving the nation direct control over one of its most strategic economic assets.

The Group has built a globally integrated oil and gas enterprise spanning exploration, production, LNG, refining, petrochemicals, trading, and retail energy services.

Its operations have contributed significantly to national revenue, infrastructure development, industrial growth, and Malaysia’s participation in global energy markets.

Through its international presence and energy transition initiatives, PETRONAS has positioned Malaysia within the global energy ecosystem while adapting to the long-term shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

Some companies extract oil — PETRONAS defines ownership.

From a small national entity to a global energy powerhouse, its legacy is not measured by production alone, but by control.

Its journey stands as a testament that when a nation governs its resources, it governs its future.