SIBU: Residents of Sibu faced significant challenges yesterday as they queued up as early as 4:30 pm for the one-day gas cylinder exchange programme which started at 7 pm, highlighting the severity of the shortage of red gas cylinders in the town.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek was concern over the situation, noting a marked difference from previous ‘exchange programmes’ – to swap yellow MyGaz liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders to Petros’ red cylinders – that he had organised where motorists simply drove through without having to personally queue.
“I had done this before, they drive in and exchange their gas cylinders; they did not have to get out of their vehicles. But today the situation is totally different, as they need to come out and line up personally with the gas cylinders, and I feel very sad.
“This indicates that the red gas cylinder shortage is still very serious because those who came today are all from individual households, not from factories or those who run food businesses,” he said when met by reporters at Logos Methodist Church, Jalan Tong Sang last night (March 20).
A total of 200 gas cylinders were exchanged within half an hour, with a strict limit of one cylinder per person due to overwhelming demand.
Chieng urged PETROSNiaga Sdn Bhd to address the issue promptly, particularly with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations approaching, highlighting the unique reliance on cylinders for cooking purposes in Sibu compared to Miri, which has gas pipelines directly to households.
“Sibu is different from Miri. In Miri, they have gas through pipelines to houses, but not in Sibu. So, they need these gas cylinders as they need to cook every day. PETROSNiaga Sdn Bhd needs to come up with a strategy and help so that people do not suffer,” he said.
To alleviate the situation, Chieng announced plans for another gas exchange programme scheduled for Wednesday (Mar 27), with details regarding time and venue to be shared via his social media channels soon.
