KUCHING/SEREMBAN, April 3 — Following the inferno that broke out at a gas pipeline on Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, on Tuesday, other states are shoring up safety procedures to prevent similar incidents.
Sarawak is looking to officially designate gas corridors under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) as a precaution.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the move will prohibit construction within the designated zones to ensure safety and mitigate risks associated with gas pipelines.
“We are concerned about potential hazards, as seen in Putra Heights. The gas corridor areas, including Samalaju, will be strictly controlled to prevent similar incidents.
“Residential developments and public facilities will not be permitted in these zones,” he told reporters at Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman’s open house here today.
Abang Johari added that the state government is in a position to implement this measure, as the SGR initiative is still in its early stages.
He explained that planners involved in the SGR have proposed a gazetted gas corridor to ensure better safety measures.
“The key is to establish a proper buffer zone and designate a wide corridor for gas infrastructure. This will allow for early detection of potential hazards and significantly reduce risks in case of a fire or explosion,” he said.
Negeri Sembilan executive councillor for local government development, housing and transport J. Arul Kumar said local authorities monitor all gas pipeline routes in residential and industrial areas to ensure the safety of all parties.
He said that so far, no issues involving gas pipeline routes have been detected in the state.
“For existing areas, we will request the companies that own these gas pipelines, such as Petronas, to conduct inspections and patrols to ensure no one trespasses into these pipeline routes.
“If there is trespassing in these areas, strict action will be taken. We also urge the public to report to the authorities if they notice any activities in these areas,” he told Bernama here today.
Meanwhile, he said the state government will meet with the companies involved to obtain details and understand safety aspects related to gas pipeline routes in the state.
Additionally, Arul Kumar said there would also be a review of every new housing project in the state and ensure the buffer zone is safer for this purpose.
“These gas pipeline routes have existed for decades. Each route has its own buffer zone. Therefore, it is crucial that such areas (near pipeline routes) are not encroached upon,” he said.
The devastating fire on Tuesday caused towering flames and intense heat, destroying rows of houses and properties, including more than 300 vehicles.
As at 8am today, 377 victims from 98 families were housed at two temporary relief centres. Of these, 311 people from 84 families are at Putra Heights Mosque, while 66 people from 14 families are at the Subang Jaya City Council multipurpose hall.
The Health Ministry said 31 victims are in public hospitals in Putrajaya, Serdang, Klang, and Kuala Lumpur, while 33 others are at private hospitals. No fatalities were reported.
— Bernama
