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Dr Sim (third left) presenting an award to a recipient. witnessed by (from right) Yii, Penguang, Tiang and Loh during the ceremony on Dec 12, 2023. Photo credit: TVS
KUCHING, Dec 13: MyGaz Sdn Bhd’s (MyGaz) subsidised liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder distribution licence in Sarawak was not renewed after Nov 30 to protect Sarawak’s rights, given that 70 per cent of the company is under Thai ownership.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the Sarawak government did not terminate MyGaz’s distribution licence in 2016 to avoid compensation payments and instead, chose to let the contract naturally expire on Nov 30, 2023.
“Why did we stop renewing MyGaz’ licence? It is because 70 per cent of the company is owned by Thailand. Where is our (Sarawak’s) autonomy?” he said in a news report by TVS.
He highlighted this when speaking at the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government’s Excellent Service Award Ceremony (APC) 2022, Innovative and Creative Group Award 2023 and Smart Community Award 2023 event at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here last night (Dec 12).
MyGaz is a subsidiary of Thailand’s Siamgas and Petrochemicals Public Co Ltd which operates in Malaysia.
Effective Dec 1, PETROSNiaga Sdn Bhd, the retail arm of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), is the sole LPG distributor in Sarawak following the passage of the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023 by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Nov 21.
Dr Sim asserted that Petros’ role does not establish a monopoly but aligns with Sarawak’s rights outlined in the Gas Distribution Ordinance 2016, enabling the State to assert its autonomy over oil and gas matters.
Sarawak has the right to assert its autonomy according to the Ordinance to strengthen its rights and regulating the State’s oil and gas sector.
On Nov 27, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said that the appointment of PETROSNiaga as the sole distributor will not affect the jobs and businesses of existing suppliers.
He explained that the 16 dealers currently under MyGaz could switch to PETROSNiaga at any time to supply subsidised LPG in Sarawak.
Furthermore, Julaihi gave assurance that PETROSNiaga, with 65 dealers and 280 sub-dealers, would be able to provide ample job opportunities for Sarawakians.
He also expressed confidence in PETROSNiaga’s ability to ensure a sufficient supply of subsidised LPG and to maintain a high standard of service for Sarawak’s economic well-being.
Deputy Minister of Public Health and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, Miri City Council (MCC) Mayor Adam Yii and permanent secretary to the Ministry Elizabeth Loh were present. — DayakDaily
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