By Jacob Achoi
BAU, May 16: Koperasi Permodalan Salcra Sarawak Berhad (KPSSB) is the first cooperative in the country to manage a petrol service station.
Using the Portable Container System (PCS) Petronas ROVR and located at the junction of Bau Palm Oil Mill along Jalan Bau-Lundu, the facility was launched today by Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon said the station would provide convenience to the public in terms of refuelling their vehicles besides generating income for the cooperative.
“Under my ministry, we always encourage such facility to be made available in the rural areas and I must congratulate KPSSB for making such effort.
“This facility will provide convenience for the locals and also to generate income for the cooperative,”he pointed out, stressing that the ministry is always ready to help.
Currently, the station only sells RON 95, but the minister hopes that Petronas Dagangan Berhad can help to also supply diesel, while urging the Sarawak branch of Malaysia Cooperative Commission (SKM) to assist.
According to Ewon, SKM is among 10 agencies under the ministry besides Bank Rakyat, among others.
He pointed out that easy access to petrol stations had always been a critical problem in rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak.
Meanwhile, KPSSB chairman Dabrin Peter Kini said the nearest petrol station in the area is about 25 kilometres away, thus this station will offer great convenience to the local residents.
He hoped that Petronas Dagangan Berhad can provide diesel in view that the fuel was widely used by locals.
He pointed out that KPSSB was also planning to diversify its business and hoped that SKM can consider its request for RM400,000.
According to Dabrin, KPSSB which started in 2014 initially began with venturing into the grass-cutting business until the present success.
Among those present was Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol. — DayakDaily
