KUCHING, Dec 3: The distribution of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) “tong gas” has brought no joy to consumers in Sarawak as the price of a 14kg-tong is the same at RM26.60.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen pointed out that the price of a tong of 14kg Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) was sold at RM26.60, with government subsidy at RM1.90 per kg, to the consumers for years.
“The distribution cost for the delivery of the tongs was left to the discretion of the delivery service providers who deliver the tongs to the doorsteps of the consumers, varying from RM1 to RM5 per tong depending on the distance and the number of tongs delivered,” he added.
As for the devolution of the distribution of gas rights, Chong emphasised that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Steering Committee had during Pakatan Harapan (PH)’s time-resolved that the distribution rights be devolved to the state.
“I have insisted that the federal government continue to provide the subsidy.
“It was hoped with the devolution of power in the distribution of LPG from the federal government to the state, the state will add on to the subsidy so that Sarawakians will be able to enjoy cheaper LPG,” he said.
However, Chong who is also Kota Sentosa assemblyman was sad to note that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, in the launch of the Petros brand LPG yesterday (Dec 2), had no intention of lowering the price of LPG for Sarawakians.
“When we fight for devolution of power, the ultimate aim must be ‘people’s interest first’. If the GPS’s purpose of devolution of power is only for the sake of devolution of power and so that different groups of people get the contracts, then that defeats the grand purpose of devolution power which is ‘people’s interest first’,” he said.
Therefore, Chong called upon the GPS government to lower the price of LPG by at least 10 per cent to RM23.80 per 14kg tong (RM1.70 per kg LPG).
“Let common Sarawakians share the fruits of devolution of power, not only a few elites and connected ones getting the benefits of devolution of power,” he added.
Meanwhile, Petros brand tong gas will be reaching the homes, businesses and industries in Kuching and Samarahan beginning next year (2021) and extending statewide in 2022.
Launching its entry into the state’s LPG market yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari also revealed that the state government will be supplying and selling the LPG to West Kalimantan, especially the villagers at the border. – DayakDaily
