Malaysia gas pipeline fire not caused by excavation, says minister
Malaysia's Deputy Human Resources Minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the pipeline was located at least 6m underground.
KUALA LUMPUR – Localised development work near the site of the Putra Heights pipeline fire in Selangor did not cause the disaster, Malaysia's parliament has been told.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the pipeline was located at least 6m underground. 'There is no chance for excavation works to reach it,' he added.
'The explosion was caused by underground soil movement and a later collapse, which generated friction and then the explosion.
'Moving forward, we will take more precautions. Replacement works are also underway and the contractor involved is complying with international standards,' he said on July 28.
He noted that a joint on the affected pipe experienced mechanical fatigue, resulting in cyclic loading from repeated strain or loading on a component.
'The pipe experienced substantial underground movement, which was also caused by prolonged and concentrated water accumulation in one spot.
'This caused the ground supporting the pipe to give way,' he said.
He also assured that all Petronas-owned pipelines comply with internationally recognised standards, adding that the ministry's Occupational Safety and Health Department findings revealed that all gas pipelines nationwide are still in safe condition.
Abdul Rahman was responding to Dr Ah mad Yunus Hairi, MP for Kuala Langat, who asked about the cause of the pipeline fire in Putra Heights.
He also asked about the government's assurance towards ensuring safety for those living along the pipelines.
To this, Mr Abdul Rahman said measures taken include technical assessments on gas pipelines, increasing patrols along pipelines close to high-density communities, updating geotechnical risk assessments, and improving emergency preparedness, among others.
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