Selangor to draft new policy via special committee to prevent Putra Heights gas explosion

By Ufairah Tarmidzi

HULU LANGAT, July 1 — Several experts, particularly in the field of law, have been appointed to a special committee tasked with drafting a new policy to prevent a recurrence of the gas pipeline fire incident in Putra Heights.

Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the special committee will examine legal aspects that can be enforced, whether through by-laws, new conditions within the One Stop Centre (OSC) unit, state enactments, or Acts of Parliament.

“That is one of the terms of reference or among the responsibilities of the special committee — to review the legal framework or provisions that can be enforced.

“This step is part of the learning process and follow-up action that needs to be taken in response to the incident,” he said.

Amirudin was speaking at a press conference after witnessing the signing of two memoranda of cooperation (MoC) with three strategic partners: Universiti Selangor (Unisel), the Selangor Technical Skills Development Centre (STDC), and Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd (CSSB), at the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant today.

Yesterday, he announced that the state government will establish a special committee to propose legal reforms following the tabling of the report on the cause of the Putra Heights explosion.

The committee will be led by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). It will also include the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG), the Public Works Department (JKR), the Fire and Rescue Department, and the police.

The gas pipeline explosion incident in Putra Heights on April 1 saw flames shoot up to over 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching 1,000°C, destroying 81 houses, 57 affected without burning, while another 218 houses remained unaffected.