Gas pipeline system in country remains safe, Dewan Rakyat told

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The gas pipeline system throughout Malaysia remains safe based on inspections conducted by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Dosh), following the fire incident at Putra Heights on April 1.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said Dosh remains committed to ensuring the highest level of safety, not only for workers but also for the public.
"In addressing issues related to the standard operating procedures for the maintenance of Petronas' gas pipelines, I must emphasise that the investigation found Petronas' pipeline safety measures to be in accordance with internationally recognised standards.
"Based on the steps taken and inspections conducted by Dosh, the gas pipeline system across Malaysia remains safe.
"Therefore, Dosh has directed the gas pipeline operator to immediately implement control and improvement measures to ensure continued safe and high-integrity pipeline operations," he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
He was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN–Kuala Langat), who asked about the cause of the recent Petronas gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights and the government's assurance that the pipeline area and system remain safe.
Rahman said seven measures have either been implemented or are currently underway.
These include conducting technical assessments of gas pipelines using advanced technologies such as the Geo-Pipeline Inspection Gauge and Electromagnetic Locator, particularly in densely populated areas as prescribed by international standard ASME B31.8 and increasing the frequency of pipeline patrols in high-risk and densely populated zones.
Other measures include updating geotechnical risk (geohazard) assessments and drainage systems in pipeline areas to identify potential early hazards; installing real-time monitoring systems to detect any abnormal changes in pipeline operations; and increasing the number of detection devices at critical locations to enable continuous safety monitoring.
Additional actions involve enhancing training and emergency preparedness, including reviewing existing emergency response plans, and conducting public safety awareness campaigns to encourage community vigilance and the reporting of suspicious activity along pipeline routes.
"Under the principle of self-regulation as outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994), it is the responsibility of all parties to ensure that occupational safety and health are upheld at the highest level.
"Should the investigation reveal any violations of laws enforced by DOSH, firm action will be taken without compromise," he added.
Regarding the technical investigation, Rahman said the process involved visual inspections at the incident site, measurements and examination of pipeline components, sample collection for laboratory testing, control system reviews, and computer-based analysis.
"The investigation found that the gas pipeline involved met the required technical specifications. Analysis showed the pipeline broke due to mechanical fatigue at the welded joint.
"When the pipeline lacked ground support, it experienced repeated movement or cyclic loading, which led to fatigue concentrated at the welded joint.
"The pipeline underwent significant underground movement due to physical changes in the surrounding area. This was further exacerbated by long-term water accumulation, which caused erosion of the soil supporting the pipeline," he said.
He added that anthropogenic activities around the site, which altered the original topography, also contributed to soil instability. These findings were consistent with the report by the Minerals and Geoscience Department.