LAWMAKERS from both sides of the divide are urging for tighter supervision of Malaysia’s utility pipelines, calling for a central monitoring centre and better coordination among agencies following the Putra Heights gas explosion in April this year.
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.
He proposed the establishment of a centre to monitor the safety and security of utility pipelines to enhance monitoring efforts.
“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 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 yesterday.
The pipeline explosion on April 1 resulted in 511 homes being damaged, with hundreds of residents displaced.
Fires from the explosion exceeded 1,000°C with the flames rising more than 30m into the air.
Muhammad Ismi said urban planning must take into account data from geohazard maps.
He also proposed the formation of a fund, which involves contributions from utility operators.
“We cannot depend on emergency disaster funds alone. When there is a small levy, corporate social responsibility is automatically applied,” he said.
He further proposed a legislation that oversees the technical aspects of developments and holds the responsible parties 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.
