Minister: No cost absorption by Sarawak govt for subsidised LPG gas cylinder

Datuk Julaihi Narawi

KUCHING, Dec 22: Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, has stated that the Sarawak government will not absorb the cost of subsidising LPG gas cylinder exchanges.

Petros Niaga, a licensed business entity for subsidised LPG gas, has invested over RM50 million in strengthening its supply network, upgrading storage capacity, injecting replacement cylinders, and enhancing logistics management to ensure smooth exchanges, including zero cost for cylinder exchanges by customers throughout Sarawak.

“Since Dec 1, exchange for Petros’ red or green cylinders has proceeded smoothly in a majority of areas in Sarawak.

“About 165,000 yellow cylinders throughout Sarawak were exchanged within three weeks. This represented over 50 per cent of the expected exchange, surpassing the targeted three-month period for this exchange,” he said in a statement today.

Julaihi also advises consumers not to panic as there is no time limit for the exchange of cylinders and customers are advised to exchange when their cylinders are empty.

According to him, there are no additional charges for customers who switch from yellow to Petros Subsidised LPG cylinders.

“The subsidised LPG for household is a controlled item with its price set at RM26.60 for self-collection at any Petros Niaga’s network of dealers across Sarawak,” he added.

For information, under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, no person or business shall distribute or carry out any LPG related activities, including the sales of LPG in Sarawak without a valid license issued under the Ordinance.

Customers are urged to call Petros Niaga’s Customer Service at 1300-88 2122 if any dealers, sub-dealers or retailers impose additional fees or refuse to accept the exchange of Petros’ LPG cylinders.

The Ministry also appeals for cooperation of all parties to avoid sharing or reacting to false, unverified information that caused panic-buying, and to work closely with Petros Niaga and its dealers to resolve any issues during this transition period. — DayakDaily