Putra Heights fire: Project secured approvals in 2022 - Subang Jaya mayor

Summary

• Subang Jaya mayor Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim says a development project near the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire had secured legal approvals since 2022.

• He says the project had also obtained Petronas’ permission to access its Right of Way for the installation of Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) pipelines, with the contractors involved approved and recognised by relevant authorities.

• IWK denies any involvement in the fire, asserting that the developer and contractor bear full responsibility to ensure regulatory compliance.

A development project near the site of yesterday's gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya received legal approvals in 2022, said Subang Jaya mayor Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim.

The mayor said the project, which involves the construction of shop lots, has also secured all required permits in accordance with established regulations.

He also said that the project had obtained approval to access Petronas’ Right of Way (ROW), with the contractors involved being an approved panel recognised by the relevant authorities.

A Petronas ROW refers to an unobstructed corridor of land where the national oil and gas firm has been granted the legal right to operate, maintain and protect its pipelines.

"All necessary approvals were obtained in accordance with regulations. Petronas had granted permission for the use of its ROW for the installation of Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) pipelines. However, the project itself is not located within the ROW.

"Based on the documents and on-site assessments, all approvals are in place,” Amirul said, adding that the project is in the final stages of securing its certificate of completion and compliance (CCC).

“The project was initially scheduled for completion in December last year, but faced some delays due to the CCC approval process,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

Responding to allegations on social media, Amirul stressed that no official statement will be issued at this time as probes remain ongoing by the police, Petronas and other relevant authorities.

“At this stage, any claims spreading online should not be taken as official (statements). We will leave it to the investigating agencies to determine the facts,” he added.

IWK issues denial

In a separate statement, IWK denied any relation to the fire, asserting that the developer’s contractor constructed the pipeline.

“It is important to note that the laying of this pipeline is the developer’s responsibility for its own development.

“While IWK granted planning approval, the responsibility for regulatory compliance and authority approvals lies with the developer and its appointed contractor, which is not registered with IWK as claimed in media reports,” it said.

It added that it remains fully committed to assisting investigations, noting that it will defer to the project owners and relevant authorities for further action on the matter.

Earlier today, Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan told Malaysiakini that two construction companies are among those being scrutinised by authorities in relation to the recent disaster.

Since the gas pipeline fire broke out yesterday, creating a massive blaze visible from several kilometres away, allegations have been rife on social media that the incident was linked with earthworks tied to a construction project nearby.

Many social media users also shared visuals of the purported construction works, including a photo showing heavy machinery allegedly encroaching on land reserved for the pipeline.

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