Residents of Taman Ceria Low-Cost Housing Welcome Natural Gas Supply Before New Year

(Miri, 8th) Sarawak Minister of Transport and Senadin State Assemblyman Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin revisited residents of the Taman Ceria low-cost housing in Miri today to ensure they receive natural gas supply smoothly before the Lunar New Year.

He stated that the natural gas supply project has been completed, including the laying and connection of pipelines, but some residents are still waiting for the final installation steps.

Lee Kim Shin pointed out that this natural gas pipeline plan is provided by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), and residents only need to pay usage fees, while the installation costs are borne by Petros as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan.

He emphasized that this initiative allows some families, who have been living there for over 20 years, to use natural gas at home for the first time, bringing convenience to their lives.

“At this stage, there are 15 Chinese households who can finally use natural gas before the New Year. Petros has completed all pipeline connections, and residents only need to wait for the Petros team to complete the final installation.”

It is understood that this plan is expected to benefit about 2,000 households, including elderly and young families. Lee Kim Shin stated that the plan not only brings more convenient energy supply to the residents but also showcases the government's efforts in promoting infrastructure development.

He urged Petros to complete the installation work for all households promptly to ensure every family can use natural gas, thereby improving their quality of life.

According to the latest progress report on the natural gas pipeline installation in Taman Ceria (as of February 8, 2025), the first phase of 13 households was completed and operational in January 2024; the second phase of 125 households has completed installations, pending residents to switch to natural gas stoves; the third phase of 251 households has completed installation and gas connection, residents need to switch stoves themselves; the fourth phase of 682 households, where 91 have completed site surveys, the project is expected to resume normal progress after the Lunar New Year.

Lee Kim Shin urged Petros to complete the installation work for all households promptly to ensure residents can use natural gas to improve their quality of life.

Lee Kim Shin, accompanied by his team from the Senadin Service Center, visited three residents of Taman Ceria this morning to understand their natural gas usage situation and delivered New Year gifts. The interviewed residents expressed gratitude to the Sarawak government for providing free natural gas installation, bringing economic and living convenience to them.

Resident Katharina Dub (47 years old) shared that she and her husband (Chinese Kunsin Lee) have lived here for 23 years, previously needing to buy and transport gas cylinders themselves as her husband was not home, requiring more than one cylinder monthly, each costing 26.30 MYR. Now using natural gas, they only need 3 to 5 MYR monthly, saving expenses and adding convenience.

“Previously, I had to change the cylinder halfway through cooking. Now, with just a flick of a switch, there's gas, and no need to move the gas cylinders, which is really convenient. With the government providing free installation, it feels like receiving a big 3,500 MYR red envelope, truly grateful.”

Gu Qiuyun stated that the free installation provided by the government allows her not to worry about running out of gas while cooking, and the monthly cost is less than 5 MYR, which is more economical than before.

“After 25 years, we finally have natural gas! Free installation, stronger flame, and more convenience, we really thank the government.”

Liew Tho Ping  (73 years old) and Kong Chong Kiaw (74 years old) also expressed gratitude to the government for their aid, stating that the cost of natural gas installation previously made them hesitate.

“Installing natural gas costs a lot, we've always wanted to install it but couldn't afford it. Now with government assistance, in the first year, we no longer need to use gas cylinders, saving money and effort.”

Residents unanimously believe that the government's initiative not only eased their financial burden but also improved their quality of life, especially for the elderly, who no longer have to carry heavy gas cylinders, making it a very considerate benefit.