Why choose Thailand over Sarawak, Lo asks DAP

KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has questioned the rationale behind Sarawak DAP leaders prioritising and fighting for a foreign company instead of the state-owned Petros Niaga Sdn Bhd.

He said Stampin Member Parliament (MP) Chong Chien Jen and Sibu MP Oscar Ling recently disagreed with the Sarawak government’s decision not to renew the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution licence of Mygaz Sdn Bhd – a subsidiary of Thailand’s Siamgas and Petrochemical Co Ltd. 

“Mygaz is a Thailand company while Petro Niaga Sdn Bhd (the current sole distributor of LPG in Sarawak) is a state-owned company. 

“So, my question to both of them is – which side are they supporting – Thailand or Sarawak?” he queried in a statement on Tuesday. 

He was responding to Chong’s recent statement, criticising Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) for ‘defending’ the state government’s decision to allow Petros Niaga, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), to have full control of the LPG market in Sarawak.

Lo said Sarawak has contributed almost 60 per cent of Malaysia’s oil and gas exports, making it a major player in the country yet, the opposition leaders were supporting a foreign company instead of the state-owned oil and gas company.

“Why support (a foreign company) to sell subsidised LPG to Sarawak; where profits will flow out of the country to Thailand. 

“Why prioritise the renewal of the MyGaz distribution licence when supporting the state-owned company, Petros Niaga can actually contribute more to Sarawak’s coffers?” he asked. 

Lo said Petros Niaga, which offers competitive prices, can ensure the profits remain within Sarawak for the benefit of Sarawakians.

Sarawak, he said, under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has witnessed remarkable progress, evident in escalating budgets and strategic initiatives. 

He added that Petros, entrusted with oil and gas operations, played a crucial role to reclaim Sarawak’s rights as well as to create more business and employment opportunities.

Starting Dec 1, Petros Niaga Sdn Bhd is the sole LPG distributor for households, commercial and industrial sectors as the distribution licence of  Mygaz Sdn Bhd was not renewed when it expired last month.