Assemblyman raises concerns over decommissioning of Sabah-Sarawak gas pipeline

KUCHING: The decommissioning of the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP) by Petronas has raised serious questions about the planning and decision-making processes behind the large scale project, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian said today.

Baru said the 500km pipeline, reportedly costing about RM4.6 billion, does not seem to have been preceded by thorough feasibility studies to ensure its long-term viability.

The Parti Bersatu Sarawak secretary-general said thorough studies should have been done due to the significant financial implications of the decision to dump the pipeline.

The decommissioning, he added, could invariably incur additional costs.

As the pipeline passes through his constituency, Baru said Petronas' announcement to decommission the pipeline has been received with mixed feelings by the local communities.

"On one hand, the people feel a sense of relief that they will no longer have to live in fear of another explosion.

"Over the years, we have witnessed several leakages and explosions along this pipeline, with the most serious incident tragically resulting in the loss of life," he said, alluding to the Nov 16, 2022, incident near Lawas, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two others.

The incident marked the first fatality associated with the pipeline.

Prior to this, the pipeline experienced explosions in 2014 and 2020, and gas leaks in 2018 and 2019.

Baru said he had also personally raised concerns regarding the safety of this pipeline multiple times in the Sarawak state assembly and in the media given that the pipeline runs close to many villages.

On the other hand, he added, the decommissioning of the pipeline also means the loss of economic opportunities for the people in the affected areas.

"When the pipeline was first constructed, the communities had hoped that it would bring long-term benefits, including employment opportunities and economic development.

"Now, with its closure, those opportunities are also being taken away."

Moving forward, he asked Petronas to ensure that the decommissioning process is handled "responsibly, with minimal impact on the environment and the local communities."

He also strongly advocated for the decommissioning work to be awarded to capable local companies.

"This would, at the very least, provide some economic benefits to the people in the region who are directly affected by the closure of the pipeline."

He said he would continue to monitor this issue closely and engage with the relevant authorities to ensure that the interests of his constituents are safeguarded.

Related Articles