KUALA LUMPUR: A centre dedicated to monitoring the safety and security of utility pipelines should be established to enhance monitoring efforts, says an Opposition lawmaker during a debate on the Putra Heights explosion report.
Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit) said Malaysia has reached the point where public safety can no longer rely on old procedures or manual monitoring systems.
“We are looking at underground utility pipelines that cut across residential, commercial and industrial areas.
“The use of satellite and real-time monitoring systems must also be integrated into a centralised centre, and not independently by utility companies and government agencies,” he said when debating the Putra Heights Gas Pipe Explosion report tabled by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Communications on Monday (Oct 6).
The pipeline explosion on April 1 this year resulted in 511 homes being damaged, with hundreds of residents also displaced.
Fires from the explosion exceeded 1,000 degrees Celsius, with the flames rising more than 30m into the air.
Muhammad Ismi said urban planning must also take into account data from geohazard maps that could receive updates from utility operators, proposing that such contributions be paid from a public fund.
“We cannot depend on emergency disaster funds alone. When there is a small levy, corporate social responsibility is automatically applied,” he said.
Muhammad Ismi further proposed legislation that oversees the technical aspects of developments and holds the responsible quarters accountable.
Meanwhile, Mohd Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam) called for a review of all existing gas pipelines in the country.
“Their current status, including their age, pressure, and distance from residential areas, must be shared with local authorities to ensure safety is better accounted for during urban planning.
“A community emergency preparedness plan comprising the relevant authorities and communities living along the pipelines is also essential.
“We need to be ready so we have a mitigation plan in case of emergencies,” he said.
Mohd Azli further stressed the integration of information among relevant stakeholders to ensure a more coordinated response.
“The rakyat does not want any finger-pointing but solutions and safety guarantees,” he said.
Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong) called for the government to review the PSSC’s recommendations and implement them.
She said additional aid should be provided to victims who may have been more affected by the explosion.
“While aid has already been given by the federal and state governments as well as the community, it may not be enough for some, owing to the damages incurred both physically and emotionally,” she said.
Winding up debates, PSSC member V. Ganabatirau said urban planning must be looked at holistically to ensure developments do not gamble with the public’s safety.
“This incident shows that critical infrastructure must be designed in a manner that can withstand various external factors.
“Early warning systems and enhanced coordination efforts among the relevant stakeholders are equally important.
“Transparent communication is essential so the rakyat will not be left in confusion,” he said.
