ECoS, PETRONAS, and SEC Unite to Strengthen Gas Pipeline Safety in Sabah

^{150 stakeholders from 52 organisations during the 2-day workshop}

^{Leaders' Dialogue (L-R) Datuk Nasser, Hj. Zulkifly, Handan, and Datuk Adzmir.}

KOTA KINABALU, 3 October 2025 – The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), in collaboration with PETRONAS and Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC), recently organised a two-day Workshop on the Management of Gas Pipeline Right-Of-Way (ROW) Safety in Sabah.

The event, held from 30 September to 1 October 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, convened 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.

Datuk Ir. Nasser Abdul Wahid, Chief Executive of ECoS, said, “The strategic collaboration between ECoS, PETRONAS, and SEC demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring Sabah's energy infrastructure is developed and managed responsibly.”

He emphasised Sabah’s unique context, where pipelines and utility corridors traverse 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 explained.

A key highlight of the workshop was the Leaders’ Dialogue, where government and industry leaders discussed strategic directions for ROW management and enforcement. The panel featured Hj. Zulkifly Sulaiman, Director of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH); Handan Ramli, Senior General Manager of Production & Operations Management, Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM); and Datuk Adzmir Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (SEC), with Datuk Ir. Nasser as moderator.

Referencing past incidents such as the Putra Heights accident in West Malaysia, the discussions highlighted the urgent need for a structured approach to pipeline risk management. Given that gas pipelines in Sabah run through diverse and sensitive areas, the risks are unique and call for customised guidelines.

It called for stronger industry coordination and closer collaboration with government agencies as well as community awareness to foster a “Kita Jaga Kita” culture in pipeline safety, stressing that public awareness and involvement are key for communities in Sabah to actively safeguard the infrastructure that supports their livelihoods and economyDatuk Ir. Nasser concluded, “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.”

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 emphasized that such guidelines, adapted from international best practices and tailored to Sabah’s unique context, will strengthen the state’s energy framework for the future.

The workshop 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.