PETALING JAYA: Factories affected by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights are concerned that disruptions on gas supplies could pose significant effects on the industrial resilience of Klang Valley, says the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM).
Its president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said the prolonged disruption of gas supplies extends beyond operations as it could have far-reaching consequences on exports, employment and investor confidence.
“The disruption not only threatens operational stability but also poses wider repercussions, potentially undermining the industrial resilience of the Klang Valley, which is home to many major multinationals and large industries,” Soh said when contacted.
He said industries are now actively exploring temporary solutions, including alternative gas supply arrangements such as the use of LNG via tanker trucks.
According to him, the supply is expected to resume in about two weeks.
“The incident is affecting the operations of about 200 industries in the Klang Valley where the supply is only expected to resume on April 20.
“While we understand that repairs and restoration efforts are ongoing and being coordinated, the extended length of the supply disruption is causing significant operational and business continuity challenges for industries in affected areas,” he said.
Soh also said many of the affected manufacturers rely heavily on a steady and secure gas supply for production.
He said the 20-day disruption risks halting production, triggering financial losses and causing widespread disruptions across supply chains.
“Even those with robust business continuity plans are not spared as their suppliers – many of whom lack such contingency measures – are equally affected,” he added.
Soh urged the relevant authorities to facilitate the necessary emergency approvals to support affected businesses.
“FMM looks forward to collaborating with all relevant authorities and parties to ensure a swift resolution to this very critical issue,” he said.
On April 1, a gas pipeline operated by PETRONAS near Putra Heights ruptured, resulting in a massive fireball that injured over 145 people.
The fire caused significant damage to approximately 190 houses and 148 vehicles in the vicinity.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing with the authorities focusing on ensuring the safety of the affected community and restoring the damaged infrastructure.
