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KOTA KINABALU: Three major players in oil and gas are collaborating to strengthen pipeline safety in Sabah, recognising the unique risks resulting from diverse and sensitive landscapes in the state.
They are the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), PETRONAS and the Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC).
ECoS chief executive officer Datuk Nasser Abdul Wahid (pic) said Sabah’s unique context saw pipelines and utility corridors traversing villages, plantations, conservation areas and industrial zones.
"This situation presents opportunities to expand access and support economic growth, but it also introduces risks if safety and management aspects are neglected," he said at a recent two-day workshop on the Management of Gas Pipeline Right-of-Way (ROW) Safety in Sabah.
Referencing past incidents such as the Putra Heights accident in Peninsular Malaysia, discussions at the workshop highlighted the urgent need for a structured approach to pipeline risk management, among other things.
"Given that gas pipelines in Sabah run through diverse and sensitive areas, the risks are unique and call for customised guidelines," Nasser stressed.
The discussion called for stronger industry coordination and closer collaboration with government agencies, as well as community awareness to foster a "kita jaga kita" (we take care of our own) culture in pipeline safety.
It also stressed that public awareness and involvement were key for communities in Sabah to actively safeguard the infrastructure that supports their livelihoods and economy.
"Our discussions are aimed at producing concrete steps to safeguard Sabah’s lifeline. By working together, we can ensure energy security, sustainability, and safety for generations to come," Nasser added.
The workshop on Tuesday (Sept 30) and Wednesday (Oct 1) brought together more than 150 stakeholders from 52 organisations, including government agencies, industry players, utility companies, and community representatives, to strengthen the safety and management of Sabah’s critical gas pipeline infrastructure.
"The strategic collaboration between ECoS, PETRONAS and SEC demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring Sabah's energy infrastructure is developed and managed responsibly," Nasser said.
A key highlight of the workshop was the Leaders’ Dialogue, where government and industry leaders discussed strategic directions for ROW management and enforcement.
The floor heard that the Gas Supply Enactment 2023 already provides for inspection and access, and there is now an opportunity to build on this by introducing clear ROW guidelines.
ECoS emphasised that such guidelines, adapted from international best practices and tailored to Sabah’s unique context, would strengthen the state’s energy framework for the future.
The workshop also laid the foundation for Sabah to create clear ROW guidelines that balance development with safety, the environment and community needs.
This is part of the Sabah Energy Roadmap & Masterplan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), which aims to ensure energy security, support economic growth and protect the environment.
The panel featured Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) director Zulkifly Sulaiman, Malaysia Petroleum Management senior general manager (Production and Operations Management) Handan Ramli, and SEC CEO Datuk Adzmir Abdul Rahman, with Nasser as moderator.
