PETALING JAYA: The Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion, which damaged 511 homes has exposed weaknesses in development control.
This was among the findings of the bi-partisan Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) following its probe into the April 1 incident, which injured 144 people.
The committee noted the incident resulted from a combination of environmental, technical, and local development factors that were not properly controlled.
"Although there were no elements of sabotage or operational negligence, the incident exposed weaknesses in development control and the need for continuous monitoring of critical infrastructure," the report tabled in Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Aug 28) stated.
As such, the committee recommended that all local authorities tighten procedures for development approval near gas pipeline right-of-way.
This must include taking into account the technical views of relevant agencies such as the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Mineral and Geoscience Department, and the Office of the Chief Government Security Officer (CGSO) before any project is approved.
The committee also recommended a coordinated, integrated development framework approach to ensure that development does not conflict with the positioning of critical infrastructure.
This must be done through coordination between the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, Housing and Local Government Ministry, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, and other technical agencies.
It was also recommended that Petronas Gas Berhad expand the use of the latest monitoring technologies such as satellites, GeoPIG, and real-time detection systems to continuously monitor ground movement and gas pipeline integrity.
Also recommended was the setting up of a critical infrastructure disaster fund by the Federal Government to assist disaster victims, following lessons from the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion.
The fund could be used to provide initial assistance to victims without the need to wait for company or insurance compensation processes.
"The committee recommends that the Federal Government, together with state governments, establish clear, transparent, and consistent procedures for assistance," the report stated.
This could also include compensation payments to victims of critical infrastructure incidents, including payment timelines and appeal review mechanisms.
These were among the 10 recommendations made by the PSSC following its probe into the incident on April 1 this year.
The committee held it’s hearing on August 8.
