Applications for various licensable activities stipulated in Part III Section 9 of the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) 2016 are being looked into before the issuing of licences to applicants.
This was revealed by Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom in his winding-up speech yesterday.
“The applications were received following the publication of the Public Notice on Application of DGO 2016 Licences in July 2018. All applications have been reviewed and licences will be issued to successful applicants,” he said.
The DGO, which came into effect on July 1, 2018, is being implemented over an interim period of 18 months; it is expected to end by Dec 2019.
Rundi added the Gas Distribution Division in his ministry was being strengthened to ensure that the duties and responsibilities entrusted to the division would be carried out diligently.
As such, regulations covering gas distribution competency and enforcement were being put in place to ensure compliance by the licensees for the safety of the people.
“In addition, my ministry is aiming to increase the number of local gas competent personnel by collaborating with local institutions to conduct gas distribution competency courses.
“This is necessary to cater for an anticipated manpower demand when gas distribution activities in Sarawak are fully regulated,” he explained.
Rundi further stated that his ministry would ensure that gas industry was a new source of income for Sarawak.
He pointed out that the development of gas distribution activities through the enforcement of the DGO 2016 would create more business and job opportunities for Sarawakians, thereby helping to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
