LOCALISED development work such as excavation could not have caused the April 1 pipeline explosion at Putra Heights, says Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
He said the gas pipelines were located at least 6m underground.
“There is no way excavation work could reach those levels.
“The explosion was caused by underground soil movement, which later led to a collapse.
“This created friction that triggered the blast.”
Following the incident, Abdul Rahman said that precautionary measures are being stepped up and replacement works ongoing.
“The contractor involved is also complying with international standards.”
He noted that a joint on the affected pipe experienced mechanical fatigue, resulting in cyclic loading.
“The pipe experienced substantial underground movement, largely due to prolonged and concentrated water accumulation in one spot. This caused the ground supporting the pipe to lose support,” said Abdul Rahman.
He also said that all PETRONAS-owned pipelines are in compliance with internationally- recognised standards, adding that the ministry’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health findings revealed that all gas pipelines nationwide are safe.
Abdul Rahman was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat), who asked about the cause of the pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Selangor.
He also asked about the government’s assurance towards ensuring safety for residents staying near such pipelines.
To this, Abdul Rahman said that the measures taken include technical assessments on gas pipelines, increasing patrols along pipelines close to high-density communities, updating geotechnical risk assessments, and improving emergency preparedness, among others.
