By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 17: The Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) has issued a reminder to businesses such as hotels, shopping malls, self-service laundromats, and restaurants to ensure they have the necessary approvals and licenses for gas pipe installations.
According to a press release, this includes securing an ‘Approval to Operate’ (ATO) for their gas piping systems.
Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder distributors and retailers in Sarawak are required to obtain a gas distribution license in compliance with the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO 2016).
To enforce the DGO 2016, a team of 15 officers from the Gas Distribution and Enforcement Division of MUT Sarawak, Sarawak Gas Distribution Sdn Bhd (SGD), SIRIM Sarawak Branch, and the Miri City Council (MCC) conducted an awareness and inspection programme around Miri City.
“Failure to comply with Section 7(g) of the DGO 2016 could result in fines of up to RM 200,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction”, said Kasvenda Kassim, Director of Gas Distribution Sarawak.
He added, “Under the Distribution of Gas (Installation and Competency) Regulations 2021, premises with gas installations must be registered with MUT, including contractors or workers installing the systems.
“Non-compliance could lead to fines of up to RM 100,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.”
To date, MUT has issued 963 Approval To Install (ATI) certificates, 600 ATO certificates, and 390 LPG Retail Licenses.
Besides inspecting gas piping systems, the awareness programme also targets shops that import and sell electrical and gas appliances, reminding them to secure the necessary approvals.
The appliances must bear the SIRIM-MUT or SIRIM-ST labels and meet safety standards verified by accredited testing labs before being sold to ensure consumer safety. — DayakDaily
