HAVING Sarawak regaining the gas distribution rights from Putrajaya is all well and good but it must be reminded that when the state gets its rights back, it comes with added responsibility, including law enforcement.
Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong said the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) enforcement or power delegation is under Sarawak government’s purview.
In other words, Sarawak must have its own enforcement unit to regulate the respective laws, she said.
“To the best of my knowledge, there is no enforcement action taken by the state for any offences committed under the law as there is no enforcement unit till now.
“Sarawak has yet to set up the required enforcement unit despite Sarawak gaining full control and management of all activities associated with the distribution of gas a few years ago.
“We cannot have a situation where we keep tightening the laws but there is no enforcement,” she said when debating the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
According to Yong, before the return of the distribution of gas rights to Sarawak, the regulating bodies were the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumerism (KPDNHEP).
“But now, it is no longer their responsibility but the Sarawak government’s. As far as i know, should there be any gas distribution related crimes and if one were to report to KPDNHEP, it will be futile,” she said.
Yong demanded an explanation on the reasons hampering the government from establishing the required enforcement unit.
