KUCHING: For the first time, the rural people will soon be able to use modern fuel for cooking – switching from wood, charcoal, dung and other traditional fuels to use liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
The gas will both change and improve their livelihood, said State Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
“With the smaller cylinders, it is easy to transport them to the remotest areas in Sarawak.
“My ministry will ensure the proper use of LPG subsidies and level or minimise the rural-urban pricing gap,” he said during the launch of Petros PLG at Kubah Ria today.
“The Malaysian government has deemed the widespread use of LPG fuel an essential social goal and a policy priority.
“Since 1990, the government has subsidised the LPG for use by households at almost 50 percent and set a current control price for 14kg cylinder at RM26.60 compared to the market price of RM59.80.
“Subsidising the fuel for households has been a significant policy to widen the coverage. My ministry will ensure that subsidised LPG will truly benefit the targeted consumers,” he said.
Calling Sarawakians to get involved in LPG distribution businesses, he also said full support for Petros would ensure the supply of gas to the rural areas.
“We encourage this to ensure adequate, reliable, quality, efficient, affordable and safe gas supply for domestic consumers.
“There are 95 Sarawakian registered companies involved in distributing, retailing and transporting the LPG cylinders.”
