By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 — The explosion of a high-pressure natural gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, on April 1, not only disrupted lives but also cast a harsh spotlight on Malaysia’s industrial safety standards.
Flames plumed over 30m into the sky, engulfing homes and land, and took nearly eight hours to extinguish.
The immediate toll was severe, with 81 homes completely destroyed, another 81 partially damaged, and more than 150 people left injured in the aftermath.
However, beyond the physical devastation, the blast raised valid questions about the country’s infrastructure risk governance.
As the federal and state governments, alongside gas giant Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB), which owns the pipeline, continue recovery efforts, it becomes evident that this catastrophe could have far-reaching consequences.
The explosion has set off alarms among economic analysts and industry experts, raising concerns about Malaysia’s industrial safety protocols and their potential to shake investor confidence.
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Children affected by the April 1 Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion are dropped off by the Demand-Responsive Transit school shuttle at the Putra Heights Mosque temporary relief centre in Subang Jaya, on April 10, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Economist Samirul Ariff Othman warned that if the country fails to address these concerns, it could face a significant decline of investor trust.
“The explosion at Putra Heights is a stark wake-up call. If the government does not take concrete action to reassure investors that Malaysia can manage industrial risks effectively, we may lose out on critical investments,” he said.
Samirul also urged a comprehensive review of the nation’s infrastructure risk governance, which he said should include an audit of existing infrastructure projects, particularly those involving gas pipelines, many of which are situated near residential areas.
“The government must urgently revisit urban planning laws and zoning practices. It is vital that critical infrastructure is not placed in high-density zones,” he added.
Prof Barjoyai Bardai, an economist and academic, echoed these concerns, emphasising that the explosion should prompt a national conversation on industrial safety.
“It is an issue of overdevelopment, for sure. But overdevelopment without control and proper systems in place,” he said.
“We thought this pipeline was sensitive enough to be properly managed. It’s not new. This pipeline is actually 1,400km long, running from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu and down to southern Malaysia.”
He added that a special buffer zone should be established to prevent the public from accessing such hazardous infrastructure.
The incident in Putra Heights, he said, exposes serious flaws in the country’s approach to industrial risk management and urban planning.
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An aerial view of a crater left behind by the April 1 Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion, on Jalan Putra Harmoni, Subang Jaya, seen on April 9, 2025. — Picture by HARUN TAJUDIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
While PGB, the operator of the pipeline, may not face crippling financial losses, the reputational damage could be significant, with PetGas, its subsidiary that operates the pipeline, potentially incurring up to RM25 million in one-off costs for damages, compensations, and repairs.
Barjoyai explained that even well-established corporations like PGB are not immune to the risks associated with managing high-stakes infrastructure.
“Even if the maximum damage is about RM1 billion, and for Petronas (PGB), that amount is relatively small. In terms of their reputation, this incident points to a lack of standards in risk control mechanisms,” he said.
In the aftermath, the federal government, through the National Disaster Management Agency, allocated RM14.7 million in relief funds for the Selangor government to distribute to affected residents.
For those whose homes were rendered uninhabitable, the government has pledged rental assistance of RM2,000 a month for the next six months.
Heavily damaged houses will receive RM5,000, while partially damaged ones will be given RM2,500.
Meanwhile, both economists agreed that while the government’s immediate response has been appropriate, much more must be done to prevent future tragedies.
A key proposal is the creation of stricter zoning regulations around hazardous infrastructure. Ensuring gas pipelines and similar facilities are not located near residential areas would also significantly reduce potential risks.
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A view from Maple Leaf Kingsley International School of a massive fire that erupted due to a leak along the Petronas gas pipeline near Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, on April 1, 2025. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Samirul also called for a nationwide audit of high-risk infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on improving safety standards and risk management protocols.
Barjoyai stressed the need for tighter controls at the local council level.
“Local authorities, especially in industrial areas, should have strict controls and standard operating procedures.”
He pointed out that while pollution from industrial waste has resulted in minor damages in the past, the accumulation of such incidents indicates Malaysia is not adequately prepared to be an industrialised nation.
“We lack the protective measures to propel ourselves further. Proper safeguards must be put in place,” he said.
