KUCHING: Sarawak has agreed to export Petroleum Sarawak Bhd’s (Petros) liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to West Kalimantan.
Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said having a formal agreement could curb the smuggling of the subsidised LPG from the state to the neighbouring country through illegal means or “jalan tikus”.
Saying Sarawak had been selling electric power to West Kalimantan since years ago, he said it would soon begin selling LPG there, especially to the villages near the Sarawak-West Kalimantan border.
“We are also aiming to export it to other countries as we must go beyond the domestic market,” he said at the launch of Petros LPG today.
Meanwhile, the LPG will be made available in homes, businesses and industries in Sarawak, starting with Kuching and Samarahan next year, and extended statewide in 2022.
Abang Johari said the 14-kg LPG cylinder would be priced at RM26.60.
“The original price was about RM50 and we are giving about 50% subsidy for it, and it is a controlled item under the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry,” he said.
Petros Chairman Hamid Bugo said the LPG complemented its natural gas distribution business.
“This year, we have continued to reliably supply essential gas to over 25,000 households through our piped gas grid operated by wholly-owned subsidiary Sarawak Gas Distribution Sdn Bhd, and over 1,500 commercial businesses and industries served by our Gas Distribution Systems in Bintulu and Miri.
“With Petros LPG, we will further support Sarawakians with a cleaner burning, more efficient and safe cooking fuel.”