MIRI: The Gas Distribution Division of the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications (MUT) has called on hotel operators, shopping malls, self-service laundries, and restaurants of the need to obtain approval to operate gas piping systems.
In a press statement, the division also called upon distributors of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders and stores selling LPG cylinders in Sarawak to obtain a gas distribution license, as stipulated in the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016 (DGO 2016).
As such, to enforce the DGO 2016, a public awareness and inspection programme was conducted in the city area, attended by 15 officers from the Gas Distribution and Enforcement Division of MUT, Sarawak Gas Distribution Sdn. Bhd. (SGD), SIRIM Sarawak Branch, and local authorities such as Miri City Council (MCC).
According to director of Gas Distribution Sarawak Kasvenda Kassim, failure to comply with Section 7(g) of the DGO 2016 could result in a fine not exceeding RM200,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
“In addition, under the Distribution of Gas (Installation and Competency) Regulations, 2021, premises with gas piping systems must be registered with MUT, including contractors or workers who install these systems.
“If any party is found to be in violation of this regulation, the offender may be fined RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to two years, or both, upon conviction,” he added.
He further stated that so far, MUT has issued 963 Approval to Install (ATI) permits, 600 Approval to Operate (ATO) permits, and 390 LPG Retail Licenses.
In addition to gas piping inspections, the awareness programme also targets inspections of premises/stores importing and selling electrical/gas appliances.
Importers and sellers are reminded to obtain approval and ensure that the appliances carry the SIRIM-MUT or SIRIM-ST label, meet standards, and have been tested by accredited laboratories before being sold, to ensure consumer safety.
