By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 23: Households in Quadruplex Taman Ceria, Permyjaya in Miri which have been connected to piped natural gas supply, are seeing savings of up to 40 per cent compared to using conventional gas cylinders.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the initiative by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) represents a major step forward in reducing the cost of living for Sarawakians.
“The piped gas system has been successfully implemented, resulting in significant cost reductions for households.
“If a gas cylinder costs RM100, these households now save RM40. This shows the impact of piped gas in easing household financial burdens,” he told a pre-recorded press conference after officiating the official launch of the piped natural gas supply in Sungai Plan in Bintulu today.
Abang Johari said the latest rollout in Sungai Plan marks the beginning of Sarawak government’s wider effort to deliver clean, affordable, and locally produced energy directly to the people.
To expand these benefits across Sarawak, the government has introduced the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which aims to establish a comprehensive piped gas delivery network statewide.
The roadmap adopts a ‘Hub-and-Spoke’ model, with major gas hubs planned in Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, and potentially Sibu, enabling supply to surrounding towns and even remote regions such as Kapit.
“This is not something new. We already have piped gas in Lutong, Miri and even in Brunei before Malaysia was formed. Now we are scaling it up for all Sarawakians,” he said.
Abang Johari also underscored the legal and strategic importance of the Sarawak Distribution of Gas Ordinance, which remains in force and gives the State full control over its gas distribution systems.
“Under this law, PETROS has been appointed as the sole gas aggregator, managing the gas supply chain from source to end users,” he stressed.
Abang Johari expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for endorsing this move through a joint declaration between the Federal and Sarawak governments, which affirms PETROS’ exclusive authority in the sector.
“All companies involved in gas-related transactions must now adhere to Sarawak’s laws. This strengthens our autonomy and ensures benefits for our people,” he stressed.
Abang Johari emphasised that the Gas Roadmap is designed not just for industries but for all segments of society, from large-scale methanol producers to small and medium enterprises and ordinary households.
“For residential users, the gas will be affordable, and initially, there will be no charges. This policy is especially crucial for the B40 or low-income groups, helping reduce their living costs,” he added.
Abang Johari reiterated that this people-first infrastructure reflects Sarawak’s commitment to building a resilient energy future, leveraging its natural gas resources for inclusive and sustainable development.
Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) Dato Ibrahim Baki; PETROS chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo; PETROS Group chief executive officer (CEO) Dato Janin Girie; along with other dignitaries and members of the local community. — DayakDaily
