Putra Heights Fire: Selangor To Form Committee To Draft Preventive Strategies - MB

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Selangor government will set up a special committee to formulate long-term strategies and propose new regulations to prevent incidents such as the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights from recurring.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the committee would comprise representatives from the state and federal governments, Petronas and relevant technical agencies to examine the findings of the full investigation report into the fire, which was submitted by the police and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) on June 26.

He said the committee would also propose follow-up measures to be undertaken by the government, including from a legal perspective and other related matters, after examining the report.

“The legal (aspect) I’m referring to involves proposing regulations to the state government, either to implement preventive measures or to take follow-up action to ensure such incidents do not recur,” he said at a special press conference to unveil the Putra Heights gas pipe explosion investigation report today.

The Selangor Menteri Besar’s Office had previously said in a statement that the technical investigation into the incident was completed on June 26, as scheduled.

The blaze and explosion on April 1 destroyed 81 houses with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, partially destroyed another 81 and affected 57 without burning, while 218 houses were unaffected, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong. 

According to Amirudin, the investigation involved two teams, one led by Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan to probe possible criminal elements, sabotage and negligence, and another involving DOSH and several agencies that examined the structural integrity of the pipes, land conditions and potential external causes.

He said the state government had placed full trust in the investigation team and the report presented today, adding that the focus would now be on implementing measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“What is more important is how we carry out our follow-up actions. It involves taking proactive measures to prevent or address potential incidents,” he said.

Amirudin also expressed his appreciation to all parties, including the 35 agencies involved, for their coordinated response in carrying out rescue efforts, delivering initial assistance and conducting a thorough investigation.

--BERNAMA