KOTA KINABALU: Contractors must heighten safety compliance when carrying out any activity near critical infrastructure in the state, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
He said that Sabah has a high-risk gas pipeline connecting Kimanis to Sarawak, and any activity near or across the corridor must comply with stringent safety regulations.
“Contractors cannot simply enter or trespass into these high-risk zones,” he said.
Speaking at the state-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Shahelmey urged contractors to also consider other utility lines that pose similar dangers.
“Utilities like electricity, telecommunications, and water also pose risks. Contractors must be fully aware of these when working in construction zones,” he stressed.
Shahelmey’s reminder comes in the wake of the April 1 gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, where a PETRONAS line near a residential area caught fire, sparking panic and damage to nearby homes.
He said safety measures must be a top priority, particularly in areas where underground or aboveground utilities are present.
“We advise all contractors to be extremely cautious. It’s not just gas pipelines that are risky, other utility lines can pose dangers too,” he added.
Shahelmey also addressed a recent landslide incident reported on social media, saying he is awaiting a full report from the Public Works Department (JKR).
“I am waiting for a full report from JKR. As always, when such incidents occur, JKR, through its regional offices or relevant concessionaires, will activate the emergency response team,” said the Works Minister.
The immediate priority, he added, is public safety and maintaining traffic flow on affected roads.
“The immediate priority is to ensure safety, especially if large rocks have fallen onto roads. At the same time, we aim to keep traffic flowing as safely as possible.”
While technical confirmation is still pending, Shahelmey believes that prolonged wet weather is the likely cause of the incident.
“Current assumptions point to continuous rainfall. We advise road users, especially in low-lying or landslide-prone areas, to remain vigilant,” he said.
