KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18: As Malaysia navigates shifts in its energy landscape, small and medium LPG dealers continue to play a vital role in ensuring that households and small businesses receive a reliable and safe fuel supply. In Melaka, Perniagaan Cergas Gas stands out as one of the local success stories demonstrating how grassroots entrepreneurship strengthens community resilience and supports everyday energy needs.
Once a modest retail operation, Perniagaan Cergas Gas has grown into one of Melaka’s key domestic LPG distributors. Led by entrepreneur Fizal Sabillah Abu Bakar, the company’s story reflects how local dealers are adapting to rising demand, evolving customer expectations, and the need for safe, dependable supply.
Unlike many who inherit established operations, Fizal built his business from the ground up. While his father once ran a gas business, it had long closed. A chance encounter with an LPG account manager reignited his interest.
Early support, along with basic promotional materials, gave him the encouragement to begin knocking on doors and rebuilding community relationships, a press release from NGC Energy said.
A major turning point came when a local kedai runcit agreed to display cylinders at its storefront, a simple gesture that significantly increased visibility. “From that point on, there was no turning back,” the statement quoted Fizal saying.
Today, Perniagaan Cergas Gas operates as one of Melaka’s larger LPG distributors, serving households and businesses with a focus on reliability and safe handling practices. Fizal credits his growth to the community relationships he built over time.
“To me, success isn’t just about how much you sell — it’s about what you build. If you earn the trust of your community, the rest follows,” he emphasized.
His facility now functions as a distribution hub, ensuring timely delivery across surrounding areas — a role increasingly important as Malaysia explores new energy pathways while relying on LPG as a primary cooking fuel in many homes.
Fizal attributes part of his progress to continuous engagement from the MiraGas team under NGC Energy, including dealer support programmes, training, and conventions that helped strengthen operational knowledge and business confidence.
“These weren’t just company trips. They were a motivation. They showed me that my hard work matters,” Fizal explained.
Across Malaysia, thousands of LPG dealers form a network that supports last-mile access to energy. Through training, technical guidance, and operational support, NGC Energy works with these dealers to ensure consistent safety standards, timely deliveries, and consumer education at the community level.
Fizal notes that customers often assess quality at first glance. “Customers often judge quality by sight,” he explained. “Even if the cylinder is technically safe, if it doesn’t look clean, they might reject it.” This insight has shaped his emphasis on maintaining cylinders that look as well kept as they are safe, reinforcing customer confidence.
Dealers such as Perniagaan Cergas Gas provide more than LPG refills. Their proximity to households allows for faster response times, direct customer education, and a personal touch that strengthens long-term trust. As local economies evolve, these dealers become integral to community resilience — especially in areas where small businesses depend on consistent fuel availability.
Even as Malaysia gradually transitions toward a broader renewable mix, Fizal believes LPG will remain an essential component of household and small business energy use.
“We’ve evolved from firewood to kerosene to LPG. The future may bring change, but for now, LPG is still essential — and I’ll continue doing my part to deliver it safely and with pride.”
Fizal’s journey highlights the human element behind Malaysia’s LPG ecosystem — the small distributors, delivery teams, and community partners who help keep homes and businesses running safely each day.
–WE