Economic affairs minister Mustapa Mohamed said careful consideration must be taken as the oil and gas industry is a strategic industry and taking into account that Sapura Energy is the world’s second largest integrated oil and gas service provider.

“Though the assistance (proposal) does not involve government funds, Petronas belongs to the government so the government needs to think seriously before making a decision.

“We are aware that many other small- and medium-sized companies in the industry are struggling too and Sapura Energy is among the big companies affected,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony of the Sungai Nibong Bridge in Kuala Balah, here today.

The proposed takeover of Sapura Energy by Petronas was recommended by former prime minister Najib Razak during his debate with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim at the Malaysia Tourism Centre in Kuala Lumpur recently.

Mustapa, who is better known as Tok Pa, said small- and medium-sized companies had met with him to air their grievances especially when oil prices plummeted during the Covid-19 outbreak.

“We understand their problems and they too have asked for help but before taking any action, we need to look at the whole picture,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the Sungai Nibong Bridge, the Jeli MP said after a 40-year wait, the 6,000 Kampung Kuala Balah residents had finally realised their dream after the government approved the construction of the RM10.17 million bridge.

“Work on the 237m Sungai Nibong Bridge had started in March and is expected to be completed in March 2024.

“It is crucial to have a bridge linking Kuala Balah to the plantation area to facilitate rubber and palm oil production and for the socio-economic status of the locals to improve,” he said.

Mustapa said Kuala Balah had great potential in the agricultural sector as the area is a major producer of maize, pumpkins and watermelons.