Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said Malaysia will consult its national oil company, PETRONAS, on exploring oil potential in the Maldives.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday, Anwar said PETRONAS has the capability to undertake such work and that operating in the Maldives would be feasible given the company’s experience in several countries.

He also said Malaysia would look into issues raised by the Maldives, including visa difficulties faced by parents and guardians of Maldivian students studying in Malaysia, as well as scholarship matters.

Anwar further said Malaysia had agreed to facilitate a US$100 million loan facility from Bank Negara Malaysia for the Maldives’ central bank.

PETRONAS is a Malaysian government-owned oil and gas company with operations in more than 100 countries.