KUCHING, July 1: The Gas Distribution Ordinance 2016 (GDO) comes into effect today, the Chief Minster’s Office (CMO) announced in a statement.
“Regulations made under the Ordinance (GDO) on licensing have been approved by the state government, and the process of implementing it will commence immediately,” it stated.
The statement also emphasised that the state would continue to enforce the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958.
Sarawak will give a grace period of 18 months for the relevant oil and gas players to take the necessary steps to ensure full compliance with Sarawak’s laws.
“As for state laws that are already in force, like the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and the Land Code 1958, the relevant state authorities will also begin the process of ensuring compliance with these laws, including gathering the necessary information from all industry players as well as a more detailed and comprehensive engagement with them.
“The state accepts that the process will take time and that is why the industry players would be permitted to conduct their business and operations as usual up to the end of 2019 while at the same time taking the necessary steps to ensure compliance with the state laws,” it said.
The statement pointed out such an intention was already announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg recently.
“As announced by the Chief Minister on March 6, 2018, the State Government will begin to exercise its power under the state laws relating to oil and gas activities in the state from July 1, 2018, including the Gas Distribution Ordinance 2016, which has come into force on that date,” said the statement. — DayakDaily
