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KUCHING, Sept 1: Ba’ Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has urged Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to reconsider their decision to permanently close the Lawas portion of the Petronas gas pipeline which has brought significant benefits to the locals, especially employment.
This came following a recent report in The Edge that Petronas has booked impairment for the partial cessation of the RM4.6 billion Sabah-Sarawak gas pipeline (SSGP), in particular the portion serving Lawas, following a series of incidents that culminated in a force majeure event and a death last year.
The degree of geohazards and soil movement, as well as the possibility of further incidents, were among key considerations in the decision, Petronas president and group CEO Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik said.
Expressing disappointment with the news, Baru emphasised that Petronas’ presence in the area had greatly benefited local people, especially employment for many young people and much assistance to the village folks and churches through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.
“With the closure of this portion of the pipeline, a number of people have lost their jobs and must seek alternative employment,” he said in a statement today.
While equally concerned about the incidents of leakages and explosions that had occurred along this stretch over the years since operations started and had impressed upon Petronas not to compromise on safety, Baru hopes Petronas would take the necessary steps to improve the structure and safety of the pipeline so that operations could continue, but unfortunately, they have decided to permanently cease operations on this stretch instead.
“As this project had cost billions to implement, I hope Petronas will reconsider their decision to halt this project.
“However, I understand that they have done their investigations and taken into consideration serious factors such as the degree of geohazards and soil movement before making their final decision.
“It must be a difficult decision, but I commend them for prioritising the safety of the project, and therefore the safety of our people, in coming to their conclusion. I wish to once again record my appreciation and thanks to Petronas for assisting my people for the duration they were working in my area,” he said. — DayakDaily
