By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 17: Personal health and safety at petrol stations, including handling of oil and gas products, must never be taken lightly.
Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen said negligence or careless conduct can cause harm and bring misfortune to others, but this can be avoided if people take safety precautions.
“We have often heard and read shocking and scary news about accidents or incidents at petrol stations, which we never thought would happen, such as explosion or fire, while handling the pump nozzle at petrol stations.
“Even when there are warning and precaution notices being put up, there is still a lack of awareness on safety issues among the community,” he said at the State-level Petroleum Safety and Awareness Programme 2018 at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) here today.
His text-of-speech was read by state Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) director Datuk Stanley Tan.
Chong pointed out that there were also cases of incidents at home involving gas leakages.
“The community must play their role and make safety a top priority. This is the objective of the programme today, to instil and inculcate a sense of responsibility and togetherness among the people to ensure safety and security in our community,” he added.
The programme has been implemented throughout the country since 2011 by KPDNHEP, with the involvement of major oil and gas companies in Malaysia.
Themed “Kamek, kitak, minyak dan gas”, the programme was attended by some 300 oil and gas industry players including students from higher learning institutes.
Chong said the petroleum and gas industry has grown rapidly worldwide including Malaysia, where it is also a major contributor to the state’s development especially in providing job opportunities to Malaysians and Sarawakians in particular. The industry also contributed to economic activities to Bintulu, Miri, Senari and Tanjung Manis.
“The industry has grown rapidly, especially in the downstream sector and retail. The number of petrol stations of various brands have increased to 3,383 outlets from 3,102 outlets 10 years ago.
“In Sarawak alone, there are 198 petrol stations including a mini petrol station in operation,” he added.
Other than petrol stations, he cited that every household had at least a cyclinder of 14kg cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
“Everyone should know how to handle cooking gas cylinders properly and with care to avoid incidents of explosion,” he advised.
Chong expressed hope that the programme will achieve its objective to enhance awareness and sensitivity of consumers towards the regulations and prohibitions that must be observed in handling petroleum products.
“It is also hoped that the programme can strengthen the ties and collaboration between KPDNHEP and the oil and gas industry players in Sarawak,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
