Sunday, 6 April 2025

More than RM1b loss in Putra Heights disaster, of course Petronas must compensate in full!

Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia

No News Is Bad News

 

Compensation should include damages for pain and suffering, inconvenience, etc.

More than RM1b loss in Putra Heights disaster, of course Petronas must compensate in full!

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7, 2025: Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (Unirazak) Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai says the Putra Heights Petronas underground pipeline disaster could reach more than RM1 billion.

The economic expert said the amount included physical damage to residences, destruction of vehicles, and various household items including electrical goods, as well as a comprehensive decline in property value in the affected areas.

However, Barjoyai has overlooked pain, suffering, mental distress, grave inconvenience and other damages that can be claimed or sued for.

He also questioned who will compensate the more than 250 affected homeowners?

Of course Petronas is liable, responsible and accountable for their gas pipes that exploded.

It will do well for Petronas (also read as the Government) to quickly and voluntarily compensate the victims in full instead or forcing the victims to seek legal redress.

The tragedy is not a natural disaster. It is a man (authority/ies)-made disaster or tragedy. Petronas cannot blame it on natural causes!

Petronas is liable, responsible and accountable! Period!

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on what the economic expert said:

Malaysia

Gas pipeline fire: Losses could reach RM1 billion, says economist

Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai, from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (Unirazak) said the amount includes physical damage to residences, destruction of vehicles, and various household items

Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 07 Apr 2025 11:21AM

The cost of rebuilding the infrastructure, including piping and drainage systems, also contributes to the significant loss. - April 7, 2025

ESTIMATED losses from the underground gas pipe explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya last Tuesday could reach over RM1 billion, raising a significant question of who will compensate the more than 250 affected homeowners.

Economic expert Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai, from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (Unirazak) said the amount includes physical damage to residences, destruction of vehicles, and various household items including electrical goods, as well as a comprehensive decline in property value in the affected areas.

He said that every house purchased at a price of around RM500,000 to RM1 million might incur multiplied losses when considering vehicle damage, furniture, household appliances, and structural repairs.

Infrastructure such as wiring and piping systems are also considered no longer usable due to exposure to high heat pressure exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius.

"The cost of rebuilding the infrastructure, including piping and drainage systems, also contributes to the significant loss.

"In fact, it is highly likely that the entire area will need to be evacuated and rebuilt to ensure long-term safety," he said when contacted by Harian Metro.

He said that the government had earlier announced an immediate aid of RM5,000 to each affected family, but the amount was insufficient because the estimated minimum loss for each family reached RM100,000.

According to Barjoyai, the incident was not an ordinary accident or disaster, but rather stemmed from risks related to business infrastructure and should be fully borne by the responsible parties.

"It needs a thorough investigation. If it is proven to be due to the negligence of certain parties, then almost the entire cost may need to be borne by those responsible.

"The question now is, how much compensation is allocated and who will bear it, the government or the company?" he said.

He also suggested that compensation be given at 100 percent of the property value, considering that this incident is not a natural disaster like a flood or a common fire, but rather due to technical factors and business risk management.

He added that the incident opened a new chapter regarding the transparency and accuracy of the monitoring system for mega projects such as the installation of a 1,400-kilometer gas pipeline.

 

"There should be a closed buffer zone that is not accessible to the public.

"However, we see that this location seems to be open and easily accessible by machines and people.

"There needs to be a continuous monitoring system to ensure the safety of the pipes and the surrounding community in the long term," he told Harian Metro.

He said that this time the incident was brought under control in about seven hours, but it also exposed potential risk weaknesses in the country's modern settlement areas.

He also praised the efficiency of the fire and rescue teams in controlling the situation, but emphasised the need for stricter safety measures for projects involving flammable materials such as gas, petroleum, and electricity. - April 7, 2025

Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Where’s the real urgency to save lives, responsibility and accountability?

Share to help stimulate good governance, ensure future of people & M’sia

No News Is Bad News

 

Where’s the real urgency to save lives, responsibility and accountability?

Update1 and Update2

Petronas: “As stated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to the location of the incident, we will be actively coordinating with the relevant ministries as well as state and federal agencies to ensure that adequate relief efforts and assistance are extended and meaningful support is deployed during this very difficult time,” it said. - All talk and bullshit! (See report below)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2, 2025: Subang MP Wong Chen, where are you?

Your constituents, victims and house owners in Putra Heights that was rocked by Petronas gas pipeline explosions and fires, are in urgent need of help!

Wong, if you really care for your constituents, stop paying lip service and get down to work. Get the Government to extend real help for the injured in hospitals.

There is absolutely no time to waste in ensuring uninterrupted medical treatment to the injured, especially those in serious or critical condition in hospitals.

Wong, you should also look into or probe how the authorities approved the Putra Heights housing project in such a dangerous area or zone?

Were the approvals given to the developer above board?

Where’s the urgency to save lives, responsibility and accountability from:

> YOU as the Subang MP;

> THE Government;

> PETRONAS which is responsible for ensuring its gas pipelines are well maintained and safe;

> ALL the approving authorities that approved the housing project on such a dangerous location or zone with pipelines snaking underground; and

> PUTRA Heights developer (Sime UEP Properties; Putra Heights is a 1,796 acres residential township developed by Sime UEP Properties since 1999 in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. It is located within the mukim of Petaling District. Putra Heights sign on top of Bukit Cermin.)

This is No News Is Bad News beef with all the above: Why are the family members of the above victims left struggling and begging for financial help for medical expenses?

*Urgent Help Needed for My Eldest Brother’s Recovery*

Dear [Friends/Family],

I’m reaching out with a heavy heart as my eldest brother and sister-in-law were tragically injured in a gas tank explosion at their home. They are currently in ICU with severe burns, undergoing multiple surgeries.

We are doing everything we can to support their recovery, but the medical and home recovery expenses are overwhelming. Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. If you’re able to help, please let me know.

Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

[Include donation details or contact information]

(Public Bank) 3129783117

Chua Gek Tieng 

Petronas to work with authorities to support Putra Heights fire victims

Bernama

-02 Apr 2025, 07:32 AM

The national oil firm also says it is working hard to mitigate disruptions, implement contingency plans, and restore operations as safely and efficiently as possible.

Petronas said its priorities are ensuring the safety of the people, fulfilling its commitment to assisting those affected, and preserving the security of the gas supply while investigating the cause of the incident. (EPA Images pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas has expressed its commitment to working closely with the relevant ministries and agencies to channel timely and meaningful support to the families impacted by the fire near Putra Heights in Puchong, Selangor.

In a statement late yesterday, the national oil firm said its publicly listed subsidiary, Petronas Gas Bhd, which owns the affected pipeline, would be working closely with government authorities and agencies to assess the full impact of the incident.

It said the group was also proactively taking all necessary measures to preserve the security of the gas supply.

“To this end, the team is working hard to mitigate disruptions, implement contingency plans, and restore operations as safely and efficiently as possible in coordination with the relevant authorities and agencies.

“As stated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to the location of the incident, we will be actively coordinating with the relevant ministries as well as state and federal agencies to ensure that adequate relief efforts and assistance are extended and meaningful support is deployed during this very difficult time,” it said.

Petronas said its priorities were ensuring the safety of the people, fulfilling its commitment to assisting those affected, and preserving the security of the gas supply while investigating the cause of the incident.

It also confirmed that the three petrol stations near the vicinity of the incident, PS Putra Heights, PS KM2 LDP, and PS Putra Bestari, had resumed operations following clearance from the relevant authorities.

“While these stations were not directly affected, they were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, in line with our safety protocols, and reopened after thorough safety assessments.

“Petronas reaffirms its continuing commitment to safety in all of its operations and will continue to provide updates from time to time as more information becomes available.

“At this juncture, we appeal for the cooperation and patience of all impacted parties as we work as quickly as possible to address this situation,” it said.

Malaysia

Gas pipeline explosion: Number of victims rises to 427 last night

Some 91 displaced families have been moved into the Temporary Evacuation Centre

Updated 22 minutes ago · Published on 02 Apr 2025 8:40AM


APM has teamed up with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to distribute essential items, including pillows, blankets, and clothing, to those affected - April 2, 2025

THE number of victims from the gas pipeline explosion and subsequent fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor, has risen to 427, as of last night.

The incident, which affected 91 families, has resulted in the displaced individuals being moved to a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at the Putra Heights Mosque Hall in Subang Jaya, with the most recent update given at 10:00pm.

Selangor Civil Defence Force (APM) Director Ghazali Abd Rahman said among those relocated are 33 elderly people, 118 children, and 16 babies.

"Fifty members of the APM from both Selangor and the Federal Territories have been deployed to assist and manage the displaced victims at the PPS since yesterday," Ghazali said.

In addition to providing shelter, the APM has teamed up with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to distribute essential items, including pillows, blankets, and clothing, to those affected.

"Prior to this, the injured victims received immediate medical assistance in cooperation with the Ministry of Health (MOH), before being transported to hospitals for further treatment," he continued.

The current evacuees in the PPS are individuals who survived the blast but did not sustain injuries. However, many are facing damage or fire-related destruction to their homes.

The APM has also assisted victims by transporting them via APM trucks to retrieve essential items such as documents and medications from their homes, starting at 6:30pm yesterday.

"We are working alongside the fire department and police to facilitate the victims’ return to the disaster site, allowing them to collect their important personal belongings," Ghazali explained.

He added that the APM will remain on standby in the affected area for monitoring purposes and to provide additional support, if necessary, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). – April, 2, 2025

No comments:

Post a Comment