KUALA LUMPUR: Vantris Energy Bhd, formerly known as Sapura Energy Bhd, received a clean audit opinion for the first time in four years, marking a key milestone in its financial turnaround and regularisation efforts.

This also supports the company's broader strategy to exit Practice Note 17 (PN17) status.

Vantris Energy said its external auditors, Ernst & Young PLT, have issued an unqualified audit opinion on its audited financial statements for the financial year ended Jan 31, 2026, with no material uncertainty related to going concern highlighted in the auditors' report.

"During the year, upon the approval of the regularisation plan by our financiers, shareholders and regulators, the group reduced its total borrowings from approximately RM10.8 billion to RM5.5 billion, and the balance sheet was restored to a positive net asset position of approximately RM3.0 billion.

"Due to injection of new funds from Malaysia Development Holding Sdn Bhd, the group paid approximately RM1.1 billion to over 1,400 Malaysian ecosystem vendors," it said in a statement.

Vantris Energy group chief executive officer Muhammad Zamri Jusoh said the clean audit opinion reflects significant progress in stabilising the group after a prolonged period of financial uncertainty.

"The completion of our financial restructuring, significant reduction in borrowings and restoration of positive equity have placed Vantris Energy on a stronger financial footing.

"This is an important step towards exiting PN17 and returning the company to normal regulatory standing," he said.

The company said it remains committed to maintaining its improved financial performance, implementing its strategic business plan, and creating value for all stakeholders.