Malaysian energy company Petronas has been allowed to challenge several laws passed by Sarawak, amid a dispute over gas distribution rights. The state, which holds over 60% of Malaysia's gas reserves, has long sought greater control over its natural resources and has appointed its own firm, Petroliam ​Nasional Berhad, to handle all natural gas purchases in the state, putting it at risk of conflict with petronas, which is wholly owned by the federal government. Petrona's lawyer, Cyrus Das, alleges that Sarawaking’s state legislature exceeded its lawmaking powers and relied on a colonial-era law to extend its territorial reach or jurisdiction.