Latest news with #pipedgas
Malay Mail
23-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Abang Johari: Sarawak charts own path in energy with statewide piped gas plan backed by Petros
BINTULU, July 23 — Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has reaffirmed the Sarawak government's strong commitment to expanding piped gas infrastructure to every household in the state – a move aimed at enhancing energy accessibility and economic equity. Speaking to reporters after launching the piped natural gas supply to homes in Sungai Plan here today, Abang Johari said the initiative is part of a long-term master plan to ensure Sarawakians benefit directly from the state's own gas resources. 'This is just the beginning of our effort to supply gas to our people so they can enjoy the benefits of the gas extracted in our own backyard,' he said. He cited a successful pilot project in the Quadruplex Taman Ceria (QTC) housing area in Miri, where residents have seen savings of up to 40 per cent or around RM40 monthly after switching from gas cylinders to piped delivery. Determined to extend these benefits across Sarawak, the premier unveiled the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which outlines a statewide piped gas distribution system. 'We are developing a network of gas distribution hubs throughout Sarawak in Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, and possibly Sibu from where piped gas can be channelled to surrounding areas, even reaching remote towns like Kapit,' he said. According to him, the concept of piped gas is not new to Sarawak, citing earlier systems in Lutong, Sarawak and Seria, Brunei, that predate the formation of Malaysia. Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak's legal framework, particularly the Sarawak Gas Distribution Ordinance, remains intact and continues to empower the state to regulate and manage its own gas sector. Under this framework, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has been formally appointed the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, with full authority to manage supply from upstream to end users. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for endorsing this via a joint declaration between the federal and state governments, which enabled Petros to operate as the sole legal and operational aggregator. 'All companies involved in the gas business must comply with our existing laws. This is a people-centric project, and through the hub-and-spoke model, it will benefit not just urban dwellers but rural communities as well,' he said. The roadmap, he added, will offer tiered benefits across various user groups – residential homes, SMEs, and heavy industries such as methanol production – with rates based on consumption levels. 'The greatest impact will be on ordinary Sarawakians, especially B40 households and those with lower incomes, by easing their cost of living,' he said. Abang Johari also welcomed the federal government's latest cost-of-living measures announced today, including fuel price reductions and other incentives. 'PMX announced his support, and we too are helping our people. Thank you for the initiatives. It shows that the people of Sarawak benefit both from Kuala Lumpur and from Petra Jaya, Kuching,' he said. Also present at the event were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Hamid Bugo and other state Cabinet ministers and their deputies. — The Borneo Post
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
'No more lifting heavy cylinders': Sharjah residents relieved as Al Qutainah gets piped gas
Residents of Al Qutainah in Sharjah are now less worried about gas supply to their homes as their community is now connected to the city's natural gas network by the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), replacing the long-used LPG cylinders with a safer, more convenient piped supply. For many longtime residents of Al Qutainah, the shift to piped gas has brought welcome relief. 'We've been waiting for this for years,' Mohamed Al Amin, who has lived in the neighbourhood for over 30 years, told Khaleej Times. 'No more worrying about running out of gas or lifting heavy cylinders; it's safer and much easier now.' 'It's more about safety,' another resident in the community added. Recently, in Dubai, two fires happened at a neighbourhood in Al Barsha in a span of two weeks. One was confirmed to be caused by a leak from a gas cylinder at a restaurant. Safety experts have warned residents to take extra precautions when handling gas cylinders, especially during the summer months, when extreme heat significantly increases the risk of gas-related accidents. Meanwhile, the newly completed Al Qutainah 1 gas pipeline project spans 18 kilometres and has reached more than 350 homes so far. SEWA confirmed that 53 per cent of the network in the area has been completed, with the remaining work progressing steadily. The total investment for the project has exceeded Dh1.7 million. The move marks a key milestone in SEWA's plan to expand natural gas services across the emirate. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Eng. Ibrahim Al Balgouni, Director of SEWA's Natural Gas Department, said: 'This is part of our broader strategy to bring natural gas services to all residential and commercial areas in Sharjah.' 'We are working under the directives of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to ensure energy services are safe, reliable, and accessible across the emirate,' he added. Al Balgouni said SEWA continues to prioritise safety and efficiency, with every project executed according to international standards. 'We are conducting ongoing studies to extend the gas network and build the necessary infrastructure to accommodate current and future demand,' he added. 'It's a great improvement. SEWA has done a fantastic job making this transition smooth for all of us – from using gas cylinders to being connected to the city's natural gas network,' said Al Qutainah resident Hamad A. Al Zarouni. SEWA is also gearing up to expand natural gas coverage to several new districts in the coming months, including Al Suyoh, Al Hoshi, and Al Rahmaniya. These areas are among the fastest-growing residential zones in Sharjah and will be fully integrated into the network through new pumping stations and distribution pipelines currently under design.
