PETALING JAYA: The Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion, which damaged 511 homes and injured 144 people, had exposed weaknesses in development control.
This was among the findings of the bipartisan Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) on Infrastructure, Transportation and Communication following its probe into the April 1 incident.
The committee noted that the incident was the result of 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,” according to the report, which was tabled in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
As such, it recommended that all local authorities tighten the procedures for development approval near gas pipeline right-of-way.
This includes taking into account the technical views of relevant agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH), Mineral and Geoscience Department and the Office of the Chief Government Security Officer before any project is approved.
The committee also recommended that a coordinated integrated development framework approach is taken 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 Bhd (PGB) expand the use of the latest monitoring technologies such as satellites, GeoPIG and real-time detection systems.
In its report, it took note that the GeoPIG inspection programme is being carried out comprehensively involving 2,675km of gas pipelines in Peninsular Malaysia.
“As of July 2025, 93% of the inspections have been completed.
“The committee was also informed that strain exceeding 0.2% had been detected in Rasah, Seremban, and repair works are currently underway,” the report said.
Also recommended was that PGB and any other operators carry out a national geohazard mapping effort on a periodic basis, which is verified by the Mineral and Geoscience Department.
“This should cover all major gas pipeline routes to identify subsidence areas, waterlogged soils and other geological risks that could affect critical infrastructure,” it added.
The PSSC also recommended mandatory installation of early warning systems including sirens by PGB or any pipeline operators.
As an accountability mechanism, PGB and other utility companies were also recommended to carry out regular safety audits, with their findings submitted to DOSH.
Regular emergency drills were recommended by the PSSC involving rescue agencies, local authorities, utility companies, and local communities to enhance the level of preparedness in facing emergency incidents.
The National Disaster Management Agency, Fire and Rescue Department and police should also improve emergency procedures and mandate the installation of early warning systems, including sirens.
This should be done by PGB or any pipeline operator in high-risk areas so that residents can be immediately informed during an incident.
Also recommended was the setting up of a critical infrastructure disaster fund by the federal government to assist disaster victims.
The fund, the committee noted, could be used to provide initial assistance to victims.
“The committee recommends that the federal government together with state governments establish clear, transparent and consistent procedures for assistance.”
This includes compensation payments to victims of critical infrastructure incidents, including payment timelines and appeal review mechanisms.
The PSSC conducted its proceedings on Aug 8 and had called representatives from eight agencies including PGB’s chief executive officer Abdul Aziz Othman.
