SMS threats to burn LNG facilities sparks govt security response

Putrajaya’s move to tighten security controls at all liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities operating in Bintulu, Sarawak, was driven by threats to burn down such facilities.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, a Petronas employee received the threats via SMS, with the hostile act believed to have stemmed from “unanswered questions” to the national oil and gas firm.

“The threat to burn the facilities was made (because) there was no response to questions (also sent via SMS) to Petronas,” The Star quoted Fadillah as saying today on the sidelines of the 2025 Asean Women, Peace and Security Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

The Petra Jaya MP added that security measures have been enhanced at LNG facilities in Bintulu and Sabah, as it has not been identified “which one is being targeted”.

“The SMS was received from an Indonesian number, but the police are investigating the matter.

“As such, the National Security Council (NSC) recommended that security be tightened at the facilities,” added Fadillah, who is also the energy transition and water transformation minister.

Last night, the NSC confirmed it had received notification of security threats against LNG facilities in the nation, particularly in Bintulu.

Affirming that the government, through the council, has directed all such facilities in Bintulu to immediately tighten security controls “temporarily,” NSC, in a statement, urged the public against speculating on the matter.

Bintulu MP Tiong King Sing also told Malaysiakini that police have been informed of the threat and will be deploying personnel from its General Operations Force as part of security measures.

Report lodged

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said today that the Bintulu-stationed Petronas officer who received the SMS threats had lodged a police report after receiving several such messages from an unknown individual.

He reportedly added that police have advised Petronas to enhance security at all its facilities, noting that police contingents nationwide will provide their assistance in ensuring the safety of the company’s installations.

Petronas has since said it views the matter with the utmost seriousness and is working closely with the authorities to assess and address the situation.

In a statement yesterday, it assured that its operations and supply have not been disrupted, stressing that the safety and well-being of its employees, contractors, and the surrounding community remain its highest priority.

The Bintulu LNG complex, operated by Petronas through its subsidiary Malaysia LNG, ranks as one of the world’s biggest single-site facilities of its kind and plays a crucial role in Malaysia’s energy exports.

LNG exports from the complex, roughly the size of over 200 football fields, also generate significant revenue for the country and are a key driver of Sarawak’s and Malaysia’s economy.

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