Grace period till 2026 for S’wak gas companies to get ISO 29001:2020 certification, says Julaihi

KUCHING (Sept 23): Sarawak gas companies will have until 2026 to obtain their ISO 29001:2020 certification, said Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.

He stressed that ISO 29001:2020 certification is vital, especially for the oil and gas sector.

“When renewing or applying for a licence from the government, especially from our ministry, by 2026 it will be mandatory for companies to include their ISO 29001:2020 certification with their application.

“This certification is essential because it addresses safety and risk management, both of which are crucial. As an international standard, it ensures we remain competitive and globally recognised, particularly in terms of our workforce,” he told reporters here today.

He was officiating at the inaugural Seminar on Raising Awareness for Achieving ISO 29001:2020 – A Quality Management System for the Petroleum, Petrochemical and Natural Gas Industries.

Elaborating further, Julaihi said the certification is a globally recognised standard, highlighting a company’s commitment to best practices, ensuring product and service quality, as well as effective risk management.

He said there is a need to raise awareness of achieving the certification among industry players.

There were 100 participants at today’s seminar.

In his speech, Julaihi addressed the future of Sarawak’s oil and gas industry, urging gas companies to prioritise excellence, quality, and reliability in their operations.

He said the decision to mandate ISO 29001:2020 certification as part of the licensing process reflects Sarawak’s proactive stance on promoting safety, quality, and sustainability within the sector.

“I urge all gas players in Sarawak to proactively pursue ISO 29001 certification as part of their commitment to operational excellence and industry best practices,” he added.

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Sirim QAS International chief executive officer Nur Fadhilah Muhammad.