MALÉ, Maldives — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that he will consult Malaysia’s national energy company, Petronas, regarding President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s proposal to explore potential oil and mineral resources in Maldivian waters.

The announcement came during a joint press statement delivered alongside President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office, following official bilateral talks held as part of the Prime Minister’s state visit to the Maldives.

Prime Minister Anwar stated that President Muizzu had formally raised the prospect of inviting Petronas to examine whether oil or other valuable minerals exist within the territorial waters of the Maldives. In response, the Malaysian Prime Minister assured that he would personally take up the proposal with the leadership of the energy corporation.

Underscoring the technical capability and international reach of Petronas, Prime Minister Anwar noted that the company is a global energy player operating successfully in nations across the world, including Canada, Turkmenistan, Sudan, Suriname, Peru, and Brazil. Given its broad footprint, he remarked that extending its reach closer to home to assist a friendly neighbor like the Maldives would not pose a major challenge.

Adding a lighthearted note during the statement, Prime Minister Anwar quipped that even if exploratory efforts do not yield commercially viable oil reserves, the endeavor would at least offer Petronas' technical teams the chance to enjoy a few restful days in the scenic Maldivian environment.