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Firemen dousing flames in one of the houses after a gas pipeline caught fire early this morning near Putra Heights. (Bernama pic)
Putra Heights unsafe for dwelling, so what now for the victims and house owners?
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1, 2025: Two residential areas in Putra Heights have been declared restricted zones.
This can only mean the authorities have only now realised the area is not safe for dwelling.
So, who were responsible for approving the housing project? Approvals given to the developer were all above board?
Approvals were given even though there were Petronas gas pipelines in the area?
So, how now for the victims and others living in the area with the safety threat of the gas pipelines?
Although Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced RM2,500 and RM5,000 in “aid” for the victims, what about their future?
Anwar also said: “The federal and state governments, as well as Petronas will see to the repairs of the damaged homes.”
Surely, the affected house owners and those living nearby now do not feel safe and may not want to return to their home but move elsewhere.
So, who will foot the bill for the victims and house owners who are tempted to move out for their safety? The developer, Petronas or the Government?
Law suits are also expected to follow such a housing project approved by the authorities on a dangerous location or zone.
Facebook image-01 Apr 2025, 07:44 PM
Former director-general of the fire and rescue department Hamdan Wahid says gas vapour lingering in the air can trigger a massive explosion if it is ignited.
The gas pipeline fire at Putra Heights damaged 190 houses, 148 cars and 11 motorcycles.
KUALA LUMPUR: The gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights today is believed to have been caused by a “boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion” (BLEVE), according to a retired senior fire officer.
Hamdan Wahid, a former director-general of the fire and rescue department, said the incident could have been due to leaked flammable gas, causing gas vapour to linger in the air before ignition triggered a massive explosion.
“When this flammable gas vapour is suspended in the air, it is just a matter of ignition or a fire source … leading to a powerful explosion from a leaking pipeline or a container holding flammable gases.
“This container may have ruptured, leaked or had an open valve, among possible causes,” he said during the Bernama World programme aired by Bernama TV today.
He added that all gas pipeline installations in the country must comply with international safety standards and local regulations, such as the Malaysian Standard for Storage, Handling and Transport of Liquefied Petroleum Gases (MS830) and the Malaysian Standard for Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids (MS761).
Hamdan said oil and gas companies must also adhere to international standards such as the Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code (NFPA 55), which stipulates a safety buffer zone to minimise the risk of explosions and fires in the event of a leak.
He advised nearby residents to evacuate to a safe area immediately, follow instructions from authorities, including firemen, and stay away from the affected site.
“This fire can generate radiant heat that damages nearby properties and leads to what we call an escalation of fire. Surrounding assets could also catch fire once they reach a certain temperature,” he said.
Meanwhile, oil and gas safety expert and activist MS Affendy Abdul Rani said pipeline fires differ from regular fires as they involve highly flammable materials under high pressure, which can continue burning as long as the gas supply remains open.
He noted that gas fires burn at higher temperatures and are difficult to extinguish with water alone, as the leaking gas can keep reigniting.
“Shutting off the gas supply is a critical step, as it cuts off the fuel source and prevents the fire from spreading further. If the gas flow isn’t stopped, the fire will continue burning,” he said.
Meanwhile, former National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Lee Lam Thye stressed the need to prioritise the welfare of residents living near the fire site. He urged Petronas and relevant authorities to take several key actions.
“First, it is very important to provide real-time updates on the situation, including air quality assessments and potential health risks. Second, ensuring a thorough evacuation and support for affected families, especially vulnerable groups, is essential.
“Third, a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the cause of the leak and the measures to prevent future incidents must be conducted,” he said, adding that the leak could have been detected earlier.
As of 3.40pm, 190 houses, 148 cars and 11 motorcycles were damaged in the fire on Jalan Putra Harmoni in Selangor.
No fatalities have been reported so far, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news repot on Anwar visiting the dangerous residential area and our previous posting:
Pipeline fire victims to receive RM2,500, says PM
-01 Apr 2025, 06:10 PM
Anwar Ibrahim also says owners whose homes were damaged will receive RM5,000.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal and state governments, as well as Petronas will see to the repairs of the damaged homes.
PETALING JAYA: The victims of this morning’s pipeline fire will receive RM2,500 each, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar also said the owners of the houses that were damaged by the fire will receive RM5,000, Bernama reported.
“The federal and state governments, as well as Petronas will see to the repairs of the damaged homes,” he was quoted as saying.
The massive fire, which spread to several houses and forced residents to evacuate, was finally extinguished by 3.45pm.
Two residential areas have been declared restricted zones.
Meanwhile, Malaysian hypermarket chain Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd has offered RM10,000 to the victims.
“Mydin is Subang Jaya’s neighbourhood hypermarket. As your fellow neighbour, I felt compelled to offer RM10,000 to help the victims,” its managing director, Ameer Ali Mydin, said in a statement.
However, more was needed to help the victims and Ameer said the company would chip in.
Ameer said the funds were to provide immediate relief, for the victims to buy food, clothing and bedding.
“I am sure the government will offer assistance to the victims but our gesture is for immediate emergency assistance.”
190 homes, 148 cars damaged by Putra Heights gas pipeline blaze
-01 Apr 2025, 05:25 PM
The fire and rescue department says cooling operations are currently being carried out with the fire almost under control.
Firemen dousing flames in one of the houses after a gas pipeline caught fire early this morning near Putra Heights. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: At least 190 homes, 148 cars and 12 motorcycles were damaged in this morning’s massive gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.
Selangor fire and rescue department director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail, in a 3.40pm update, said firefighters were still working to put out the fire, which is now nearly under control.
“Overhaul and cooling operations for affected houses are also in progress,” he said in a brief statement to the media today.
Earlier, during a press conference, fire and rescue department director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad had said it may take up to four hours for all the remaining gas in the Petronas pipeline to be released, allowing the fire to subside and to be fully extinguished.
Lee Weng Ken, 42, and his wife, Sharmaine Pan, 33, receiving treatment at the Putrajaya Hospital after the fire. (Bernama pic)
He said this is a necessary step before the fire could be fully extinguished.
At least 112 people have been affected by the fire, with many being treated for burns, breathing difficulties and injuries at the Cyberjaya, Putrajaya and Sultan Idris Shah hospitals.
The victims were primarily from Taman Harmoni and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baharu.
Bernama reported that several victims affected by the gas pipeline fire had been arriving at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang since 9am.
A mother of one of the victims said her son suffered severe burns, while three family members were in critical condition.
Another survivor described the intense heat and how he and others fled their homes to escape the blaze.
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Petronas gas pipeline blaze: A man-made (authority/ies) disaster in the waiting
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Petronas gas pipeline blaze: A man-made (authority/ies) disaster in the waiting
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1, 2025: The massive Petronas gas pipeline blaze in Putra Heights is nothing short of a man-made or authority/ies disaster in the making.
The first thing that comes to mind is: Who are the idiotic authorities that approved the Putra Heights housing project in such a high-risk fire area?
And, now that a disaster has happened, will Petronas and the Government bear responsibility and accountability and compensate full compensation as to be demanded by the victims and their families?
It’s going to be costly!
No News Is Bad News reproduces below news reports on the Petronas gas pipeline disaster:
Malaysia
Gas pipeline fire: 112 affected, 63 hospitalised, 47 houses damaged
49 victims are receiving treatment at a medical base set up at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple.
Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 01 Apr 2025 2:31PM
Selangor deputy police chief Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan said another 63 victims have been sent to nearby hospitals for further treatment. - Picture from Bernama, April 1, 2025
A TOTAL 112 people were injured in the pipeline fire incident at Taman Puchong Perdana, Selangor, with 49 victims still receiving treatment at a medical base set up at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple.
Selangor deputy police chief Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan said another 63 victims have been sent to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
"37 homes in Taman Harmoni and 10 in the neighbouring Kampung Sungai Baru were affected by the blaze," he said.
"We have conducted initial checks on all affected premises to ensure no victims were left behind and a second round of inspections will be carried out as a precaution," he said.
He added that the affected area includes 49 premises, with 37 located in Taman Harmoni and 12 in Kampung Sungai Baru.
A total 78 personnel and 10 fire engines, four emergency medical rescue service vehicles, five water tankers and a hazardous materials team were deployed.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said his team received an emergency call about the incident at 8.10am, and firefighting operations are underway.
According to reports, several victims have arrived at the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang, some in critical condition.
The hospital has closed off some non-critical and semi-critical areas to the public to give priority to the fire victims. - April 1, 2025
Massive gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, says fire dept
-01 Apr 2025, 10:15 AM
Selangor fire and rescue official says the fire spread to several houses nearby and that seven people, including two senior citizens, have been rescued.
The gas pipeline fire at Putra Heights in Subang Jaya this morning, as seen from different angles, based on photos posted by netizens on social media.
PETALING JAYA: The Selangor fire and rescue department (JBPM) has confirmed that a massive gas pipeline fire has occurred along Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights in Subang Jaya this morning.
Selangor JBPM assistant director (operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar confirmed that a distress call was received at 8.10am, with fire crews arriving at the scene 12 minutes later.
“The fire involves a Petronas gas pipeline leak, with an estimated 500m of the pipeline engulfed in flames,” he said in a statement today.
The fire, which erupted near a residential area, has since spread to several houses, forcing residents to be evacuated.
Mukhlis confirmed that seven individuals, including two senior citizens, have been rescued.
“The total number of affected victims and the extent of the fire’s spread in the residential area have yet to be determined,” he said.
A total of 78 personnel, along with fire engines, hazardous materials units, and water tankers, are on the site to contain the blaze, he said.
Mukhlis also said that Petronas has shut off the pipeline valve, but it remains unclear how far upstream the closure is.
Images and videos of the massive fire have gone viral on social media since the fire started, showing thick black smoke billowing from the site.
Subang MP Wong Chen also addressed the incident in a Facebook post, urging residents to stay alert and pray that all those affected are safe.
Towering blaze in Malaysia on Petronas pipeline, 63 sent to hospital
April 1, 20253:07 PM GMT+8Updated an hour ago
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Reuters) - At least 63 people were being treated in hospitals in Malaysia on Tuesday after a major blaze at a gas pipeline operated by state energy firm Petronas, authorities said, with efforts ongoing to control the fire and evacuate residents.
The fire started on Tuesday morning in the town of Puchong in Selangor state on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur and those taken to hospitals had suffered burns, respiratory problems or other injuries, authorities said.
The pipeline had been isolated, Petronas in a statement said. The fire department said the firm had closed off the valve on the 500 m (1,640 feet) long pipeline and 49 houses in the area had been affected.
The fire started on Tuesday morning with a towering orange blaze on the horizon and a large plume of smoke above, according to early images carried by news outlets and footage shared on social media.
An onlooker takes a picture of a fire after a gas pipeline operated by Malaysia's state energy firm Petronas caught fire, in Puchong, Malaysia April 1, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer
A Reuters journalist located about 5 km (3 miles) away from the blaze said the intensity of the fire had reduced by early afternoon but a flame and billowing smoke could still be seen.
Ambulances were seen rushing towards the area of the fire, which had been sealed off by authorities.
No deaths were reported but the full extent of the injuries or damage so far was not immediately clear. Authorities had earlier said some people trapped in their homes.
Petronas said it was working closely with all relevant parties to ensure the safety of the surrounding community, environment and security of gas supply to the country.
The government set up relief centres at two local mosques, Bernama reported.
Malaysia fire: huge blaze erupts near Kuala Lumpur as gas pipeline explodes
Inferno spread to nearby homes, trapping residents, while full extent of damage still being assessed
Associated Press in Kuala Lumpur
Tue 1 Apr 2025 06.38 BST
A colossal fire has erupted in a Malaysian suburb outside Kuala Lumpur due to a burst gas pipeline, prompting evacuations of nearby homes.
The inferno near a gas station in Putra Heights in central Selangor state on Tuesday was visible for kilometres. National oil company Petronas said the fire broke out at one of its gas pipeline at 8.10am.
It said in a brief statement that the affected pipeline had been isolated. Three gas stations near the fire site were not affected but had been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, Petronas said, adding that investigations were still under way.
Commuters pass by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Malaysia. Photograph: Fazry Ismail/EPA
The Selangor disaster management unit said in a statement that the blaze had spread to several houses in a nearby village, and efforts were being made to rescue trapped residents. It added that several people had suffered burns and would be taken for treatment, but the extent of the full damage was being assessed. The valve to the pipeline had been shut and that would eventually snuff out the fire, it said.
The Star English newspaper said fire and rescue teams had rescued seven people.
Residents leave an area surrounding the fire outside Kuala Lumpur. Photograph: Fazry Ismail/EPA
Dozens of Selangor firefighters have been dispatched to the scene. Selangor’s chief minister, Amirudin Shari, said the fire department had quickly evacuated residents from nearby homes as a safety measure. He said they would be temporarily placed in a mosque nearby until the situation was under control.
Pictures and videos of the fireball went viral on social media, with some residents saying they felt the doors and windows of their homes shaking, apparently due to the fire explosion.
Pipeline fire may last up to 4 hours before gas runs out, says DG
-01 Apr 2025, 02:38 PM
Nor Hisham Mohammad says valves in Dengkil, Puchong, Batu Tiga and Meru have been shut to stop the flow of natural gas to the affected pipeline in Putra Heights.
Fire and rescue department director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad said they are working with Petronas to expedite the process while ensuring safety. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The fire and rescue department says it could take up to four hours before the remaining gas runs out in the Petronas pipeline that caused a massive fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, this morning.
Its director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad said they are working with Petronas to expedite the process so that the fire can eventually subside and be safely extinguished.
Nor Hisham also said four main pipeline valves in Dengkil, Puchong, Batu Tiga and Meru have been shut off to release remaining natural gas.
“While it may take four hours, we are hoping to shorten the time it would take,” he told a press conference near the incident site today.
Separately, Selangor police deputy chief Zaini Abu Hassan said at least 112 people and 49 homes were affected by the fire.
The victims were primarily from Taman Harmoni and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baharu.
“Most of the victims suffered injuries, including wounds on their legs and breathing difficulties. Some were sent to Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, and Serdang hospitals for further treatment,” he said at the same press conference.
Zaini said the relevant authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, but their primary focus was on saving lives.
“Once (the pipeline) is secured, we will look into the technical aspects of what caused the incident.”
Meanwhile, in a post on his Facebook page today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged the Selangor government to provide the necessary assistance to those affected by the fire.
He also prayed for the safety of personnel handling the incident.
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