The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) calls for the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry into the 1 April gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights and to ensure that such a disaster does not recur.
Questions have arisen on what went wrong, why the automated safety mechanism for the gas pipeline failed to trigger and why the gas pipeline was so close to residential areas.
A royal commission would enable such questions to be answered through the conduct of a thorough and independent investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and to ascertain whether the incident was due to human error, negligence, equipment failure or foul play.
The commission must also investigate whether safety protocols were followed by Petronas, the station’s management, and relevant authorities.
If negligence or misconduct is found, the commission can recommend legal or disciplinary action. The commission can assess whether current fire safety, pipeline and fuel station regulations are adequate. If gaps exist, it can recommend stricter enforcement, better safety measures, and policy reforms.
Given the high level of public concern, a royal commission would provide transparency and assurance that the government is taking the issue seriously. This can prevent misinformation and speculation about the cause of the fire.
The inquiry can evaluate the efficiency of emergency response teams and suggest improvements. Recommendations might include better fire prevention systems, enhanced training for station workers, and faster response mechanisms.
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The Putra Heights pipeline fire carnage had severe consequences, such as widespread public distress, injury and damage to property.
Therefore, a royal commission can play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and improving safety standards. Investigations by agencies such as the police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health or Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (if related to security issues) will not suffice.
The municipal council) or local authorities are responsible for zoning approvals and land use planning. If a gas pipeline runs close to residential areas, it means the local council approved the plan or permitted development near an existing pipeline.
We call for an investigation into how a pipeline carrying highly flammable natural gas could be approved so close to populated areas without a buffer zone. A report indicated that two-storey shoplots were constructed just 30 metres from the site of the fire.
The fire reportedly destroyed 78 houses, 10 shophouses and 225 vehicles within a 290-metre radius of the incident.
We welcome Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of immediate aid of RM5,000 for home owners whose houses were severely damaged and RM2,500 for those less affected.
However, this is a paltry sum, compared to the losses faced, which are immense. Affected residents should receive sufficient compensation to resume their lives as before the fire. The government should also expedite the processing of personal documents lost in the blaze.
We are concerned about the long-term consequences for victims suffering from burns, who may require ongoing medical care such as skin grafting and physiotherapy. Others may have suffered from smoke inhalation and exposure to heated gases, as well as traumatic distress.
The pipeline fire also raises concerns about the environmental impact of natural gas emissions, primarily methane a potent greenhouse gas. Even when burned, methane converts into another greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.
Any leakage along the 2,623km Peninsular Gas Utilisation Pipeline, built between 1984 and 1993, could have serious short and long-term health effects.
We must learn from this tragedy in order to prevent future ones. A royal commission of inquiry could lead the way. – CAP
Mohideen Abdul Kader is president of the Consumers’ Association of Penang.
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