KUCHING: Bukit Assek Assemblyman, Chieng Jin Ek, has proposed the establishment of a third liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottling plant in the central zone of Sarawak, ideally in Tanjung Manis, to enhance the state’s energy security and supply chain resilience.
Chieng said earlier this year, in February, many residents in Sibu and the surrounding central region experienced difficulties in obtaining LPG gas cylinders.
“This situation arose when the Bintulu PUSAKA LPG Bottling Plant was forced to temporarily halt operations due to a landslide incident.
“As a result, local distributors had to collect LPG gas cylinders from Kuching, doubling transport distances and causing significant delays in distribution.
“Thankfully, this challenge was addressed swiftly. I would like to take this opportunity to record my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) for their immediate and effective response.
“Thanks to their coordination, additional transportation capacity was mobilised, and the shortage was managed in a timely manner.
“The Bintulu bottling plant has since been repaired and has resumed normal operations,” he said.
He said these when debating in support of the motion of appreciation for the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s speech in the august house today.
Although the Bintulu plant has since resumed operations, Chieng stressed that the incident has revealed a structural weakness in our LPG supply network, the over-reliance on only two bottling plants in the state, which are in Kuching and Bintulu.
“Any disruption at either plant inevitably affects the entire supply chain, especially in the central region.
“Therefore, I wish to propose, for the consideration of this Honourable House and the relevant ministry, the establishment of a third LPG bottling plant in the Central zone of Sarawak, ideally in Tanjung Manis.
“With its strategic location and existing industrial infrastructure, Tanjung Manis is well-positioned to serve as a dedicated supply base for Sibu, Mukah, Sarikei, Bintangor, Kapit, and nearby areas,” said Chieng.
He also said that the suggestion is a long-term strategic investment in supply chain resilience.
“A third bottling facility would strengthen our state’s energy security, reduce the risks of future shortages, and ensure uninterrupted access to LPG for our people, even in times of unforeseen emergencies,” he added.
