‘No such thing discussed’: Premier denies viral claim on 1,000 Bangladeshi workers for PETROS

Abang Johari speaks during Majlis Makan Malam Bersama Komuniti Bahagian Miri on April 24, 2026. Screenshot taken from Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 24: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has dismissed viral allegations claiming that Sarawak had requested 1,000 workers from Bangladesh to be employed by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), stressing that the claim is completely untrue and not supported by any official process.

He recalled a recent courtesy call by Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, where the latter expressed the intention to strengthen diplomatic cooperation between Bangladesh and Sarawak, including offering manpower support from Bangladesh if required.

“But on social media, it is being claimed that Sarawak has requested 1,000 Bangladeshi workers to work with PETROS. That was never discussed, never mentioned, and there is also no letter from the Labour Department. The Labour Department did not issue any such letter.

“Then they twisted the matter, saying that this is what I am doing — establishing PETROS to open up jobs for Bangladeshi workers and that Sarawakians are not being given opportunities. That is not true,” he said when speaking at the Majlis Makan Malam Bersama Komuniti Bahagian Miri held at a local hotel in Miri, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) tonight.

He also said such narratives tend to surface and gain traction, particularly as the political landscape moves closer to election periods, when public discourse becomes more charged and susceptible to repeated rumours and distorted interpretations.

Thus, he urged community leaders and grassroots representatives to remain alert and ensure that accurate information is conveyed to the people, so as to prevent misinformation from spreading and creating unnecessary confusion. — DayakDaily