KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB) has established an independent task force for the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire incident, led by an independent non-executive director, to ensure the highest standards of safety and integrity in its operations.
It said the task force will provide strategic oversight on the post-incident investigation process, recovery, and restoration works, safety of the gas transportation infrastructure, and other relevant matters pertaining to the incident.
The task force will also support the board in providing guidance to ensure independence and transparency throughout the process.
“PGB fully recognises the critical role of the gas pipeline infrastructure in transporting natural gas to the power generation and industrial sectors in Peninsular Malaysia.
“It is diligently progressing restoration work at the incident site, which includes sheet piling for soil stabilisation, site excavation, and execution of the repairs,” PGB said in a statement today.
Its utmost priority is the safety of the public and its operations, and it understands the profound impact of the incident and is focused on the recovery of gas supply access.
“To date, PGB has also contributed more than RM1.2 million in immediate monetary aid to individuals and families who have faced total or partial loss of properties, to help ease their burden during this trying time.
“The company will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities and stakeholders to determine the cause of the incident and to restore the pipelines while remaining unwavering in its support of the government’s community rebuilding efforts,” PGB said.
The fire, which occurred at around 8.10am on April 1, sent flames more than 30 metres into the sky. Temperatures reportedly reached up to 1,000°C, and the fire took nearly eight hours to be fully extinguished.
The incident destroyed 81 houses with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, while another 81 were partially destroyed.
Fifty-seven homes sustained damage without catching fire, and 218 homes remained unaffected.
It also left behind a crater measuring 9.8 metres deep and approximately 21 by 24 metres wide at the site.
— Bernama
