SARAWAK can further unlock its economic potential by streamlining the application and connection process for commercial gas supply, said Piasau Assemblyman, Adam Yii Siew Sang.
He said a smoother process would help local businesses, especially in Miri, benefit directly from Sarawak’s sole gas aggregator status through PETROS.
He added that while Sarawak’s control over its natural resources marks a major achievement, practical benefits must also be felt by entrepreneurs and small medium entrepreneurs (SMEs).
“In Miri, many new business owners have voiced concerns over the long wait time and high costs for piped gas connections,” he said.
He said this when debating in support of the motion of appreciation to the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s speech in the august House today.
Yii said the delays, often stretching several months, affect sectors like food and beverage, manufacturing, and hospitality, hindering business operations.
He pointed out that the current gas application process is complex, lacks clear guidance, and offers no fixed timelines for approval or installation.
“These issues are not just bureaucratic delays – they result in financial losses and, in some cases, complete project abandonment,” he added.
Yii warned that continued inefficiencies in the supply process could damage investor confidence in Sarawak’s growing commercial ecosystem.
He proposed that Sarawak Gas Distribution Sdn Bhd and the relevant ministries review and simplify the application procedures for commercial users.
Among his proposals is a fast-track application mechanism targeting startups, SMEs, and key growth sectors like tourism and manufacturing.
He also proposed startup incentives or subsidies to ease the financial burden for early adopters of piped gas supply systems.
“Regulatory control is just the first step; we must now align our policies with a pro-business, pro-growth framework,” Yii added.
He stressed that efficient delivery systems are key to unlocking the full potential of Sarawak’s gas resources for local economic growth.
