Environmental watchdog RimbaWatch has cautioned against the possible implications of Petronas's new oil and gas exploration project at the Langkasuka basin, located just 30km from Penang Island and 20km from Langkawi.

In a statement today, the group said the new exploration in the north of the Malacca Straits, not only detracts from Malaysia’s mitigation responsibilities but also threatens coastal marine biodiversity, livelihoods of fishing communities and local tourism...