By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Oct 5: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) is the first to partner with the Ministry of Utilities in the development of the gas distribution industry in the state.
Utilities Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Unimas’ Faculty of Engineering and the ministry today marks the beginning of their collaboration.
“The MoU, which we will sign today will enable Unimas and the ministry to work together in developing competency in gas distribution in the state.
“We hope that Unimas will embark on the development and implementation of relevant gas distribution competency syllabus courses and conduct training for gas competency required under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO2016),” she said.
She explained the DGO2016 which came into effect on July 1, 2018 has given Sarawak full regulatory authority to regulate the economic, technical and safety aspects of the gas distribution industry in Sarawak.
“The enforcement of the DGO2016 allows for competent persons to participate in gas distribution activities.
“These include designing, building, managing, and maintaining gas pipeline systems. In order to spur the gas distribution businesses, the state requires more gas (industry) competent persons’ participation,” she emphasised during her speech at the MoU signing ceremony at Rumah Universiti Unimas Sarawak here today.
Meanwhile, Unimas Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Dr Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim asserted that one of the courses to be offered under the DGO2016 is the Gas Responsible Person course.
“This course is for all premises with low pressure gas distribution systems installed such as restaurants in shopping complexes and launderettes.
“Besides that, for occupations involving the installation of low pressure gas distribution systems, Unimas will offer competency certificates for the installation with Categories Three, Two and One.
“These competency certificates are one of the requirements by the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak for any contractor involved in the installation and maintenance of low pressure gas distribution system in the state,” he explained. — DayakDaily
