SHAH ALAM: An independent committee has been set up to conduct a full review of the April 1 Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion.
The eight-member panel, comprising academics, technical consultants and industry experts, will investigate the cause of the blast, assess regulatory compliance and recommend measures to prevent future incidents.
Selangor youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi said the committee is expected to deliver a full report within two months for presentation to the state government.
“The aim is to identify ways to ensure similar incidents do not recur. The state government will assist by providing access to information from agencies,” he told reporters at the launch of the committee at the Selangor state secretariat yesterday.
He said the line-up was vetted and approved at a state executive council meeting earlier this month, adding that the panel was formed following calls from Opposition assemblymen for a transparent probe.
“We value their feedback and hope the findings will give closure to all parties involved,” he said.
The April 1 explosion destroyed 81 homes, left another 81 partially damaged and 57 badly damaged. It also wrecked 365 vehicles, including 275 cars and 56 motorcycles. It was reported that the inferno was triggered by stress on the pipeline caused by soft soil beneath the structure.
Separately, Najwan said local councils had been ordered to step up monsoon precautions by maintaining retention ponds and drains, and ensuring bunds and pumps are in good condition, among other measures.
