Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s growing energy needs require a careful balance between development and safety, the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) stressed during a two-day workshop on gas pipeline right-of-way (ROW) safety.
Chief Executive Datuk Nasser Abdul Wahid said Sabah’s unique context made pipeline safety an urgent priority, noting that utility corridors often cut across 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 when opening the event held at the Sabah International Convention Centre from Sept 30 to Oct 1.
The workshop, jointly organised by ECoS, Petronas and Sabah Energy Corporation (SEC), gathered more than 150 participants from 52 organisations, including government agencies, utility providers, industry players and community representatives.
Nasser said the collaboration reflected the partners’ commitment to building a safe and sustainable energy framework for Sabah.
He moderated the Leaders’ Dialogue session, where senior officials charted directions for ROW enforcement and safety management.
The panel comprised Director of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Dosh) Zulkifly Sulaiman, Senior General Manager of Production & Operations Management, Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM) Handan Ramli and Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Energy Corporation Datuk Adzmir Abdul Rahman.
Referencing past accidents such as the Putra Heights incident in West Malaysia, the dialogue warned that Sabah faced unique challenges given its pipeline routes through populated and environmentally sensitive areas.
Speakers called for stronger industry coordination, improved government-community engagement, and greater public awareness to foster a “Kita Jaga Kita” culture of safety.
The workshop also aligned with the Sabah Energy Roadmap & Masterplan 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040), which aims to secure long-term energy security while supporting growth and environmental protection.
Nasser said the outcome of the dialogue would help shape concrete steps, including clear ROW guidelines adapted from global best practices but tailored for Sabah’s needs.
“By working together, we can ensure energy security, sustainability and safety for generations to come,” he said.