Kobopem Advance, SEDC Energy sign agreement to operate Petros Multifuel Station in Batu Kawa

KUCHING (March 20): Koperasi Bomba & Penyelamat Malaysia (Kobopem) Advance has officially signed an agreement with SEDC Energy (SEDCE) to take on the operation of the Petros Multifuel Station (MFS) in Batu Kawa today.

SEDCE chief executive officer Robert Hardin said the collaboration is a strategic step to strengthen synergy with key agencies, provide sustainable income for cooperative members, and expand the Petros MFS network to reach more communities in Sarawak.

“The Petros MFS Batu Kawa will be Sarawak’s second flagship station.

“Once fully operational, it will strengthen the supply chain for hydrogen transportation from the H2 Darul Hana plant.

“Additionally, four more flagship stations will be developed in Bintulu, Miri, Sibu, and Sri Aman,” he added.

He made these remarks during the appointment ceremony of Kobopem Advance as the Company Owned, Dealer Operated (CODO) operator of Petros MFS Batu Kawa at the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak Headquarters here this evening.

Robert noted that these stations will play a key role in establishing a hydrogen supply network along the Pan Borneo Highway, complementing six existing stations in Daro, Matu, Brooke Way-Sibu, Kanowit, Sungai Asap, and Jepak, which offer conventional fuels and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities.

Overall, SEDCE now operates eight Petros MFS stations, including two flagship stations in Darul Hana and Batu Kawa.

“With this agreement in place, we anticipate Petros MFS Batu Kawa to be fully operational by early Q3 this year, subject to approvals from the relevant agencies.

“Such collaborations not only strengthen relationships with stakeholders but also bring the Petros MFS brand closer to the community, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in a local brand that goes beyond retail services to drive the hydrogen agenda in Sarawak, Malaysia, and the region,” said Robert.

Meanwhile, Bomba director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad in his speech said the evolving and increasingly progressive industrial landscape requires Bomba and SEDCE as industry players and regulatory agencies to take a holistic approach to infrastructure development.

“This is to ensure that it meets the required criteria and established safety guidelines.

“Various aspects have been considered, including fire suppression mediums and techniques, the installation of appropriate fire safety systems, fuel management and handling, as well as the efficiency and skills required in service operations.

“These are all crucial elements that we must carefully consider and keep in mind together,” he explained.

Adding on, he said the longstanding strategic collaboration and synergy between Bomba and SEDCE have provided an opportunity for them to jointly address the issues and challenges.

“Various action plans have been implemented by the department, particularly under the third pillar of the National Fire and Rescue Policy 2021-2030, which focuses on fostering inclusive strategic partnerships.

“Through collaboration and the exchange of expertise, we can implement the ‘Adapt and Adopt’ strategy, incorporating best practices tailored to the scope, functions, and roles of each entity,” he added.

Also present at the ceremony were Kobopem Advance chairman Dato Sri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid and Bomba Sarawak director Jamri Masran.

-Agency