KUALA LUMPUR: The standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling incidents involving gas pipelines was established before their construction, says Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohamad.
He stressed that in the event of a fire, firefighting and rescue operations will be carried out strictly according to the established SOP.
“Firefighters will use the same extinguishing methods as other fires but will take into account the specific risks associated with gas pipelines to ensure everyone’s safety,” he told Bernama yesterday.
The department, he said, is also involved in the planning process before the installation of gas pipelines.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with PETRONAS and held strategic engagement sessions to ensure preparedness in handling any incidents,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nor Hisham said the department had identified the affected houses in the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights to determine whether they are safe or pose a risk to rescue teams to enter.
He added that assessments are also being conducted on the safety and structural integrity of the homes damaged by the fire, explosion and heatwaves.
“If a structure is found to be unsafe or poses a risk to the rescue team, we will dismantle any removable parts safely, such as a collapsing roof,” he said.
The fire, which broke out at about 8.10am on Tuesday, was caused by a leak that ignited a 500m gas pipeline owned by PETRONAS subsidiary, PETRONAS Gas Bhd.
According to the Subang Jaya district police, a total of 111 victims received medical treatment at hospitals.
At the same time, 529 people were relocated to two temporary evacuation centres at Masjid Putra Heights and the Subang Jaya City Council multipurpose hall.
Additionally, 235 premises – including homes and shops – were affected, with 87 units razed by the fire and 48 sustaining damage.
Meanwhile, 399 vehicles were impacted – of which 225 were totally destroyed – while 174 suffered damage.
