PETROS DELIVERS FIRST PIPED NATURAL GAS TO SUNGAI PLAN, BINTULU

Date: 23 July 2025

23 July 2025, Bintulu - Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) today marked a key milestone with the official launch of piped natural gas supply to households in Sungai Plan, Bintulu – bringing direct energy access to local households for the first time since commencement of natural gas processing operations in Bintulu in 1982.

The launch reflects the progress of the broader Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), a strategic initiative directed by the Sarawak Government and implemented by PETROS to enhance domestic gas utilisation, improve energy access and support sustainable development across the State.

The event was officiated by The Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg. Also in attendance were the Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi; Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Anak Utom; and PETROS Chairman, YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Hamid Bugo, among other distinguished guests, community leaders and members of the local community.

The First Piped Gas to Sungai Plan project is PETROS’ first residential piped gas supply initiative in Bintulu and marks a tangible step towards bringing Sarawak’s gas resources directly to its people. The pilot phase involves the construction of a dedicated reticulation system, which includes a newly built city gate station, over three kilometres of distribution pipeline, and internal piping for the initial 39 connected households. PETROS aims to extend gas coverage to over 3,500 households in the Sungai Plan area, by the end of 2027.

This infrastructure delivers natural gas directly to homes for cooking and other domestic uses, offering residents a cleaner, more convenient and cost-effective alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

"By providing direct access to natural gas, we are delivering cleaner and more affordable energy solution to local communities while supporting Sarawak’s broader socio-economic ambitions," said PETROS Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato Janin Girie.

In addition to improving convenience and affordability for households, the piped gas initiative supports the longer-term industrialisation of Bintulu and surrounding areas. Under the SGR, Bintulu has been designated as one of four strategic gas hubs alongside Miri, Samalaju and Kuching. These hubs form part of a statewide “Hub-and-Spoke” model that aims to deliver consistent and reliable gas supply to both urban and hinterland area across Sarawak.

Investments in supporting infrastructure are well underway. In Bintulu, PETROS is constructing the 65-kilometre Samalaju Pipeline (SPL) to supply natural gas to the Samalaju Industrial Park, including to the 1,500MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) Power Plant currently under development. PETROS is also progressing works on the Gas to Bintulu (GtB) Trunkline Project, extending transmission gas pipeline from the Kidurong Industrial Area to Jepak and Samalaju Industrial Park Ringmain (SIPR), which will further enhance intra-zone gas distribution.

For areas not yet connected to pipelines, PETROS is implementing a Virtual Pipeline System (VPS) using modular transport to deliver natural gas via road and sea. The first customer in Kuching is expected to receive supply via VPS by end-2025, with broader rollout planned for 2026.

As the sole Gas Aggregator for Sarawak, PETROS plays a central role in developing and managing the State’s gas distribution system. These efforts aim to raise Sarawak’s domestic gas utilisation from 6% to at least 30% by 2030, in alignment with the Sarawak Government’s energy transition agenda.

Today’s launch also coincides with Sarawak Day and precedes PETROS’ eighth anniversary, underscoring the State’s steady progress towards a more inclusive and resilient energy future.

The Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, officiated at the launch of the first piped gas to Sungai Plan in Bintulu. Also present were PETROS Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr.) Hamid bin Bugo, PETROS Group Chief Executive Officer Janin Girie and other dignitaries.
 

The Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, delivered his Officiating Speech.
 

PETROS Chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr.) Hamid bin Bugo delivered his Welcome Speech.
 

Digital plaque signing to mark the official launch of the first piped gas to Sungai Plan in Bintulu, witnessed by key leaders and distinguished guests.

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