KUCHING (Nov 11): The Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2024 was unanimously passed at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today including with support from Sarawak’s only two opposition assemblypersons.

The Bill which is introduced to establish a legal framework to regulate the distribution of hydrogen generated in Sarawak was debated by 22 assemblymen including oppositions Chong Chieng Jen (DAP – Padungan) and Violet Yong (DAP – Pending).

“This Amendment Bill is introduced to establish a legal framework to regulate the distribution of hydrogen generated in Sarawak using feedstocks produced, obtained or imported into Sarawak, premises to be used for the generation or storage of hydrogen, the transportation of hydrogen for distribution and delivery to consumers in Sarawak and for export.

“This Amendment Bill seeks to amend the Principal Ordinance to introduce several key updates. One significant change is the expanded definition of “gas,” which now includes hydrogen as a regulated type.

“Additionally, the Bill introduces a new Part IVA to the Ordinance, specifically designed to govern activities related to hydrogen, now officially classified as a regulated gas,” said Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi when tabling the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

In his winding up speech, Julaihi commented that with the amendment Bill, Sarawak will be empowered to regulate hydrogen activities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to growing its hydrogen economy through a transparent and investor-friendly regulatory framework to support clean energy development.

Responding to safety concerns raised by Opposition assembly members Chong and Yong, he affirmed that the state government is dedicated to establishing a robust regulatory framework that prioritises public safety while fostering the hydrogen industry’s growth.

“Hydrogen is not a new fuel, and international safety standards are already in place to manage the risks related to its production, storage, transportation, and use.

“The safety systems and protocols that Sarawak will adopt will align with those for other fuels, ensuring that hydrogen can be produced, stored, and used safely in accordance with international standards,” he said.