PUTRAJAYA: The government will implement measures to address factory disruptions due to gas cuts following the Putra Heights inferno, says government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi said the Energy Commission met with the Federation of Malaysia Manufacturers (FMM) on Wednesday (April 9) afternoon, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the Human Resources Ministry to obtain a full list of affected factories.
“The Human Resources Ministry was ordered to obtain the full list from the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) to collect information about workers to understand the situation faced by workers and the company.
"Miti and the Human Resources Ministry are dealing directly with these companies, and we will follow up with several actions," said Fahmi during his weekly briefing after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
“For the government, it is certain that the efforts to repair the pipes and restore gas supplies to industries remain our priority. But we understand that investigations are still ongoing,” added Fahmi.
FMM had stated last week that the Putra Heights fire affected the operations of about 200 industries in the Klang Valley, and gas supplies are only expected to resume on April 20.
Meanwhile, Fahmi also welcomed the assistance given by telecommunications companies including CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM Unifi, U Mobile, and YES to victims of the recent Putra Heights fire.
“Among the assistance given was the exemption of prepaid and postpaid bills for a certain period, the free replacement of SIM cards and devices, as well as a free 5G Wifi service at the Putra Heights temporary shelter (PPS),” he said.
“The offer of assistance and the restoration of telecommunications to affected customers differ according to telco companies,” added Fahmi.
Fahmi said the contribution reflects the sincerity of telco companies in supporting affected customers, which aligns with the Madani government values that prioritise the people’s welfare.
“Further information about this assistance can be obtained by visiting the mobile counter of telco companies at PPS, calling the hotline of the telco companies, or visiting any nearby branches,” added Fahmi.
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 also damaged about 190 houses and 148 vehicles in the vicinity.
Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing.
