Chong: Reappoint MyGaz as LPG distributor to resolve cylinder shortage

KUCHING: The Sarawak government should bring MyGaz Sdn Bhd back as a distributor of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to resolve the current shortage of cylinders, said Chong Chieng Jen

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman claimed that many consumers have been turned away when they wanted to replace their yellow MyGaz cylinders with PetrosNiaga Sdn Bhd’s red cylinder because the latter’s tanks had run out.

He said after the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government gained control of LPG distribution rights in the state, it terminated MyGaz’s distribution rights in spite of warnings from DAP that the move would be detrimental to the people.

“In its haste to create a monopoly for Petros and totally cutting out MyGaz, now comes the problem of huge shortage of gas ‘tongs’ (cylinders),” Chong said in a statement.

The Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman also claimed that while GPS said it had achieved devolution of power in the distribution of gas rights, many people were disappointed because there was “absolutely no signs of any decrease in the prices of LPG”.

Last year, the Sarawak government announced that MyGaz’s LPG distribution licence would not be renewed upon expiration in November, with PetrosNiaga assuming full control of distribution from Dec 1.

PetrosNiaga is the retail LPG arm of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).

There have been complaints, especially on social media, of people being unable to replace their yellow cylinders with red ones.

On Tuesday, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) Sarawak called on the authorities to take steps in addressing the shortage of red gas cylinders.

Its chairman Jeffery Ngui said action must be taken immediately to ensure sufficient and stability of supply.

“This is to avoid any negative effects that may arise due to the shortage, especially during this Ramadan month,” he said in a statement.

Ngui said it is the responsibility of the Sarawak government to provide solutions in regard to the shortage of PetrosNiaga gas cylinders.