Melaka entrepreneur turns small LPG business into community lifeline
Perniagaan Cergas Gas, once a modest retail operation, has grown into one of Melaka’s key domestic LPG distributors under the leadership of Fizal Sabillah Abu Bakar.
SHAH ALAM - In the heart of Melaka, a small LPG business is proving how local entrepreneurship can adapt to Malaysia’s changing energy needs while supporting households and small businesses.
Perniagaan Cergas Gas, once a modest retail operation, has grown into one of Melaka’s key domestic LPG distributors under the leadership of Fizal Sabillah Abu Bakar.
The company’s rise reflects how local dealers are adapting to rising demand, evolving customer expectations and the need for safe, dependable supply.
Fizal, who rebuilt the business from scratch, recalled how a chance encounter with an LPG account manager reignited his interest in the sector.
His father had previously run a gas business, but it had long ceased operations.
Early support and basic promotional materials encouraged him to reach out to local households and rebuild community trust.
A breakthrough came when a local kedai runcit (sundry shop) agreed to display LPG cylinders at its storefront, giving the business greater visibility.
“From that point on, there was no turning back,” he said.
He 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 said.
The company’s facility now functions as a distribution hub, ensuring timely deliveries across surrounding areas, a role that remains critical as Malaysia balances new energy initiatives with LPG, which continues to be a primary cooking fuel in many households.
Fizal also highlighted the support he received from MiraGas 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,” he said.
Across Malaysia, thousands of LPG dealers like Fizal’s form a network that guarantees last-mile access to energy. NGC Energy provides technical guidance, training and operational support to help maintain safety standards, ensure timely deliveries and educate consumers at the community level.
Fizal pointed out that customer perception is often influenced by the appearance of cylinders.
“Customers often judge quality by sight. Even if the cylinder is technically safe, if it doesn’t look clean, they might reject it,” he said.
This insight has prompted him to maintain cylinders that are both safe and visually appealing, reinforcing trust in his service.
For local communities, dealers like Perniagaan Cergas Gas offer more than LPG refills. Their proximity allows for faster service, hands-on customer education and a personal touch that builds long-term confidence.
As Malaysia gradually shifts towards renewable energy, Fizal believes LPG will remain essential for households and small businesses.
“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,” he said.
Fizal’s journey highlights the critical role played by small distributors, delivery teams and community partners in keeping Malaysia’s energy supply safe, reliable and accessible.
For more information, visit www.ngcenergy.com.my
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