Petros launches Bintulu's first residential piped gas supply
BINTULU (July 23): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) marked a major milestone today with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan – the first direct residential connection since gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982.
The initiative is part of the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), a strategic state government plan implemented by Petros to boost domestic gas utilisation, improve energy access, and support sustainable development throughout Sarawak.
The launch was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Also present were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo.
The launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and comes ahead of Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the state's steady progress toward a more inclusive, secure, and resilient energy future.
In a statement, Petros said the Sungai Plan project is its first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu, marking a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to the people.
'The pilot phase involves the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over three kilometres of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households.
'Petros aims to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area, by the end of 2027,' it said.
The infrastructure enables homes to use natural gas for cooking and other domestic needs, offering a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
'By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions,' said Petros Group Chief Executive Officer Dato Janin Girie.
Beyond households, the piped gas initiative is designed to support the long-term industrialisation of Bintulu and nearby regions.
Under the SGR, Bintulu is designated one of four key gas hubs in Sarawak, alongside Miri, Samalaju and Kuching.
These hubs form the backbone of a statewide 'hub-and-spoke' model to ensure reliable gas supply across both urban and rural areas.
'Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65-kilometre Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development,' Petros said.
The company said it is also advancing the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, which will extend transmission infrastructure from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and the Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), improving intra-zone distribution capacity.
To serve areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is deploying a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) that uses modular transport to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG) by road and sea.
The first VPS customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply by end-2025, with broader rollout planned for 2026.
As the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system.
'These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak Government's energy transition agenda,' it said.
Today's launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and precedes Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the State's steady progress towards a more inclusive and resilient energy future. Abang Johari Bintulu lead Petros piped gas supply Sungai Plan
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New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Petros launches piped natural gas to Bintulu households
BINTULU: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) today marked a key milestone with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan, Bintulu, bringing direct energy access to local households for the first time since natural gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982. Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the launch was the first step to distribute gas to the people so they could benefit from the natural gas supply obtained from the state. "The state government has launched the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) so that we can supply gas throughout the state through a gas pipeline system," he told reporters after the launch. He said the distribution of gas through a pipeline was not new as it had been done in Lutong before the formation of Malaysia. He said the power to distribute gas, from the start to the buyers, must be managed by Sarawak through the appointment of Petros as the sole gas aggregator. Abang Johari said the first piped gas to the Sungai Plan project is Petros' first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu and marks a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to its people. Petros group chief executive officer Datuk Janin Girie, in a statement, said the pilot phase involved the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over 3km of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. He said Petros aimed to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area by the end of 2027. He said this infrastructure delivers natural gas directly to homes for cooking and other domestic uses, offering residents a cleaner, more convenient, and cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). "By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering a cleaner and more affordable energy solution to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions," he added. In addition to improving convenience and affordability for households, he said the piped gas initiative supports the longer-term industrialisation of Bintulu and surrounding areas. Under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), Bintulu has been designated as one of four strategic gas hubs alongside Miri, Samalaju, and Kuching. These hubs form part of a statewide "Hub-and-Spoke" model that aims to deliver consistent and reliable gas supply to both urban and hinterland areas across Sarawak. Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65km Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development. Petros is also progressing works on the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, extending the transmission gas pipeline from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), which will further enhance intra-zone gas distribution. For areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is implementing a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) using modular transport to deliver natural gas via road and sea. The first customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply via VPS by end-2025, with a broader rollout planned for 2026. As the sole Gas Aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system. These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak government's energy transition agenda. Among those present at the launch were Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, and Petros chairman Tan Sri Hamid Bugo.
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Petros launches Bintulu's first residential piped gas supply
Hamid (second left) presents a memento to Abang Johari after the launch ceremony. BINTULU (July 23): Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) marked a major milestone today with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan – the first direct residential connection since gas processing operations began in Bintulu in 1982. The initiative is part of the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), a strategic state government plan implemented by Petros to boost domestic gas utilisation, improve energy access, and support sustainable development throughout Sarawak. The launch was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also present were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and Petros chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr Hamid Bugo. The launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and comes ahead of Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the state's steady progress toward a more inclusive, secure, and resilient energy future. In a statement, Petros said the Sungai Plan project is its first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu, marking a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak's gas resources directly to the people. 'The pilot phase involves the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over three kilometres of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. 'Petros aims to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area, by the end of 2027,' it said. The infrastructure enables homes to use natural gas for cooking and other domestic needs, offering a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 'By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering cleaner and more affordable energy solutions to local communities while supporting Sarawak's broader socio-economic ambitions,' said Petros Group Chief Executive Officer Dato Janin Girie. Beyond households, the piped gas initiative is designed to support the long-term industrialisation of Bintulu and nearby regions. Under the SGR, Bintulu is designated one of four key gas hubs in Sarawak, alongside Miri, Samalaju and Kuching. These hubs form the backbone of a statewide 'hub-and-spoke' model to ensure reliable gas supply across both urban and rural areas. 'Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, Petros is constructing the 65-kilometre Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development,' Petros said. The company said it is also advancing the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, which will extend transmission infrastructure from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and the Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), improving intra-zone distribution capacity. To serve areas not yet connected to pipelines, Petros is deploying a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) that uses modular transport to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG) by road and sea. The first VPS customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply by end-2025, with broader rollout planned for 2026. As the sole gas aggregator for Sarawak, Petros plays a central role in developing and managing the state's gas distribution system. 'These efforts aim to raise Sarawak's domestic gas utilisation from 6 per cent to at least 30 per cent by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak Government's energy transition agenda,' it said. Today's launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and precedes Petros' eighth anniversary, underscoring the State's steady progress towards a more inclusive and resilient energy future. Abang Johari Bintulu lead Petros piped gas supply Sungai Plan
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak charts path to statewide piped gas access, says Premier
Abang Johari cooks tapioca as a symbolic gesture for the launch. BINTULU (July 23): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun 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 channeled 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 Dr Hamid Bugo and other state Cabinet ministers and their deputies. Abang Johari piped gas statewide
