Opposition urges Selangor govt to review works near gas pipeline

Summary

• The Selangor opposition calls on the state government to review development projects near the gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Selangor.

• State opposition leader Azmin Ali urges Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari to convene the Selangor state assembly to discuss the incident.

• Azmin also says Petronas should compensate victims.

The Selangor opposition called on the state government to review all development projects near the gas pipeline that caught fire.

State opposition leader Azmin Ali, in a statement today, also urged Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari to convene the Selangor state assembly to discuss the incident.

“A special session must be called immediately in accordance with Article 10(3) of the Standing Orders of the Selangor state assembly,” said the Perikatan Nasional secretary-general.

Article 10(3) states that the speaker can call for a sitting during an adjournment of the house if the menteri besar communicates to the speaker that it is required due to public interest.

Azmin added that the probe of the incident must be presented and debated in the state assembly.

A gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor caught fire yesterday morning, creating a massive blaze visible from several kilometres away.

The initial Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) report stated that the fire was caused by a gas pipeline leak, with an estimated 500m section of the pipeline engulfed in flames.

According to FRD director-general Noor Hisham Mohammad, at about 6pm yesterday, a total of 237 houses were found to have been affected, of which 78 houses and 10 shops have been burnt.

Of the 305 victims, 125 suffered injuries.

Azmin noted that the incident raised questions about the level of compliance and enforcement of safety at construction sites.

He also opined that Petronas Berhad should compensate all victims who suffered injuries and losses.

“A task force with an open line must be established immediately to collect data and information from victims, including data on losses and injuries.

“This task force will be responsible for advising Petronas on providing appropriate compensation to all victims as a fair and humane solution,” he added.

Aid and compensation

According to an aide to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, Petronas said the company will pay for the treatment of all victims at government hospitals.

Earlier today, the Housing and Local Governance Ministry said it will consult with Petronas and the state government to coordinate housing assistance for the victims whose homes were damaged or destroyed.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday said Petronas was in talks with the government over temporary measures for the victims.

Anwar also cautioned that the discussions will take time, while repairs or the replacement of houses might take a year or more.

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KINIGUIDE | What we know so far about the Putra Heights inferno