By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 3: Sarawak will implement dedicated gas corridors with stringent security measures under its Sarawak Gas Roadmap to prevent incidents similar to the recent gas explosion in Peninsular Malaysia.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reassured that the state has already included this initiative in its planning to ensure safety and mitigate risks associated with high-pressure gas transportation and storage.
“We have a dedicated corridor with data storage, and it is considered a security area. This means that no unauthorised activity can take place there.
“And then we will gazette these corridors to prevent encroachment and unregulated development in the vicinity.
“The implementation of such measures is part of the broader strategy outlined in the Sarawak Gas Roadmap,” he told reporters when met during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house hosted by Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman held at Dewan Hikmah, Petra Jaya, today.
The Premier cited Samalaju as an example of a designated security area where residential housing and public facilities will not be allowed to ensure safety.
He further said that since the Sarawak Gas Roadmap is still in the early stages, the Sarawak government can incorporate the security measures into its planning.
“This must be included in all planning packages. The area must be large enough to serve as a buffer, and it must be designated as a gas corridor so that any issues can be detected early.
“Low-pressure gas, which is used in homes, does not pose a significant risk, but high-pressure gas requires strict safety measures,” he added.
On the morning of April 1, a major fire occurred in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, caused by a ruptured gas pipeline belonging to Petronas Gas.
According to news reports by Bernama, the fire was successfully extinguished by 3.45 pm.
A total of 305 victims of the fire incident had been rescued and relocated as of 5 pm, while the incident left 190 homes and 159 vehicles damaged.
No fatalities have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. – DayakDaily
