By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 21: Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang has emphasised the potential for increased government revenue through enhanced management of the gas distribution network.
He pointed to the significance of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) 2023 Bill, designed to empower Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) as the gas aggregator.
He asserted that the allegation that the role of a gas aggregator was redundant is “completely misleading and wrong”.
“In my opinion, with the Distribution of Gas 2016 Ordinance and Distribution of Gas (Amendment) 2023, and Petros, the whole process of gas production, distribution, and utilisation is almost completely under Sarawak control, barring a few remaining issues with the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas).
“Therefore, Sarawak is in a good position insofar as our gas assets are concerned. And we look forward to the day that we are in full control of our gas assets,” he said when presenting his debate on the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) 2023 Bill during the Second Meeting for the Second Term of the 19th Sarawak DUN, which was held at the DUN complex here today.
He continued: “The primary objective of the principal ordinance – Distribution of Gas 2016 was to regulate the distribution of gas in Sarawak.
“Prior to this, the distribution of gas had been under the control of Petronas. Therefore, this ordinance was an important step for Sarawak to regain control of its valuable gas resources.”
The Pujut assemblyman further noted that the principal object of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) 2023 Bill is for the appointment of a gas aggregator which will be responsible for all downstream gas operations in Sarawak which used to be the sole domain of Petronas.
“The gas aggregator is the single point authority responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all gas distribution infrastructure, facilities, and supply to customers.
“This ensures single point accountability and contact point for both the regulatory authority and customers,” he added, giving his full support to the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) 2023 Bill.
Utility and Telecommunications (MUT) Sarawak Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi tabled the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) 2023 Bill during the DUN sitting. — DayakDaily
