By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 2: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) will work to resolve the gas pipeline issue following a massive inferno near Putra Heights in Puchong, Selangor, with the possibility of activating old power generation facilities if necessary.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof stated that while a full investigation report is still pending, the primary concern has been the rescue efforts, which have been successfully completed.
“As part of my ministry’s responsibility, we are focused on energy stability. Currently, the electricity supply has been stabilised, with part of the generation relying on gas.
“In the event of a leakage, affected portions of the gas pipeline will be shut down, potentially impacting power supply. However, reports indicate that for this critical week, electricity supply remains stable,” he said when met at his Hari Raya open house at the CIDB Convention Centre in Samariang today.
Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, along with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and other Sarawak leaders were among the distinguished guests at Fadillah’s open house today.
Fadillah added that contingency plans will be assessed next week should the gas pipeline remain compromised.
“PETRONAS will resolve the gas supply issue. As an alternative, we are prepared to activate old power generation systems that do not rely on gas to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, especially in the Klang Valley,” he explained.
On infrastructure safety, Fadillah noted that an integrity audit is ongoing. “There are two gas pipelines in the area, but they are not affected. If they were, electricity supply would have been cut off. We are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the integrity of the whole infrastructure remains intact.”
Regarding compensation for affected homes, he said investigations are still underway to determine the appropriate assistance mechanisms, which will involve PETRONAS, insurance claims, and other relevant bodies.
The government will ensure affected individuals receive support, with insurance companies and the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) advised victims to contact them for assistance and discuss possible support.
Responding to allegations that the gas pipeline fire was caused by digging activities at the PETRONAS reserve land, Fadillah emphasised that the authorities would await the comprehensive investigation report before drawing conclusions.
The inferno, which erupted on the second day of Hari Raya (April 1), left the area resembling a war zone, with flames reaching over 100 feet and temperatures soaring to 1,000 degrees Celsius, according to the New Straits Times.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan reported that 364 victims from 74 families were affected, with 145 injured, some requiring hospitalisation, though all are now stable. The fire also destroyed 227 houses, 275 cars, 56 motorcycles, and 34 other vehicles.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad stated that 325 personnel from 11 agencies battled the fire for over seven hours before fully extinguishing it at 3.34pm. Firefighters will remain on standby for the next 20 hours to monitor the area.
Prime Minister Anwar announced immediate financial aid, with RM5,000 allocated to homeowners whose properties were destroyed and RM2,500 for those with partial damage.
He assured victims that the federal and Selangor governments, along with PETRONAS, would take full responsibility for restoring the housing area. Inspections and safety assessments will commence today before affected residents can return home. — DayakDaily
