A town planning expert is calling on local governments to mandate common utility tunnelling in new developments following the Putra Heights gas pipeline blast.

Local government and urban planning expert Derek J. Fernandez, a former Petaling Jaya City councillor, said utility tunnels were crucial in ensuring infrastructure safety and efficiency.

“For new areas, we must require common utility tunnelling, actual tunnels where you can walk in and look at the utilities,” he told the New Straits Times’ “Beyond the Headlines” podcast yesterday.

“Putrajaya has a very effective common utility project. There’s no more road digging.” Fernandez said cost-saving lobbyists were attempting to weaken these regulations.

“Some people want to remove it or cut down its scope, which will mean that digging returns and you can’t inspect what’s underground.”

He said if such a system had been in place in Putra Heights, the explosion could have been prevented.

“If we had gas piping through common utility tunnelling, it would have been easier to detect problems as you could just walk in (to check),” he said.

Fernandez also proposed monetising the tunnels by allowing utility providers to pay for access, making it financially viable for local councils.

“This should be mandatory. Safety must come before costsaving.”

Meanwhile, Innoveam Sdn Bhd managing director and consultant engineer Zamir Rashid highlighted the need for advanced remote monitoring systems, such as real-time pressure monitoring and leak detection, to prevent similar disasters and ensure quick emergency response.

“We need real-time data from pressure monitoring and leak detection systems,” said Zamir, who specialises in 3D engineering simulations.

He added that digital technologies could improve safety and response times. The April 1 blaze at the Petronas gas pipeline caused RM65.4 million in damage, affected 487 homes and 365 vehicles, injured 112 people and displaced 509 families.

PETALING JAYA: The recent gas pipeline fire incident has rattled many Malaysians, particularly those considering property purchases in the affected or nearby areas.

What was once an overlooked consideration on the property checklist is now gaining serious attention – hidden underground risks such as fuel pipelines.

For many potential buyers, safety concerns have always played a part in the decision-making process, but the recent incident has brought these hidden threats to the forefront.

“Honestly, such pipelines were never a top consideration until this recent incident,” said Yaswinii Kannan, 28, a business analyst.

Her typical checklist includes evaluating nearby pollution sources, proximity to hazardous industrial premises, electrical hubs and other strong electromagnetic fields.

Other key considerations for Yaswinii include the crime rate in the area, security features such as gated communities and camera surveillance, and traffic risks.

She also looks at the environmental history of the land, such as whether it was once a mine or a lake.

“It is also important to investigate the land stability and check for pests, termites or other harmful parasites,” she added.

For Indira Magesan, 31, a former general practitioner, buying property revolves around three main pillars – location, safety and finance.

She emphasised the importance of being near basic amenities, evaluating future developments for investment potential and ensuring affordability.

Although checking for industrial activity and construction is part of her process, pipelines had never been a concern.

“To be honest, we just make sure that industrial areas are at least five to 10km away from our community.

“As a layperson, we don’t have access to blueprints to check for pipelines underground.

“As for construction sites, as long as safety, noise levels and air quality are maintained, I’m okay because these factors can affect property value in the long term,” she said.

Before the fire incident, Indira had been unaware of the risks posed by pipelines.

“We assumed all developments go through strict evaluations to ensure safety,” she said.

“But now, we realise freak incidents such as this can happen anywhere to anyone.

“It will definitely influence my decision in the future. Safety is crucial, but peace of mind is even more important.”

Reflecting on the explosion, she expressed concern that despite numerous regulations for property construction, such an incident still happened.

“Buyers need to do thorough research on the property and evaluate the developer’s portfolio and risk management measures before making a decision.

“I’m not sure if I’d consider buying a house near the site of the incident or in areas known to have gas pipelines, at least not now.”

While Indira believes authorities will take steps to improve safety in the area, she pointed out that human nature makes it difficult to let go of past trauma.

She also said full disclosure on such incidents should be mandatory for parties selling property.

“Buyers must be made aware of past accidents, the countermeasures taken, the placement of pipelines and ongoing safety measures.

“It’s crucial that they have all the information to make informed decisions, free from the pressure of sales talk or promotions.”

PETALING JAYA: The recent gas pipeline fire incident has rattled many Malaysians, particularly those considering property purchases in the affected or nearby areas.

What was once an overlooked consideration on the property checklist is now gaining serious attention – hidden underground risks such as fuel pipelines.

For many potential buyers, safety concerns have always played a part in the decision-making process, but the recent incident has brought these hidden threats to the forefront.

“Honestly, such pipelines were never a top consideration until this recent incident,” said Yaswinii Kannan, 28, a business analyst.

Her typical checklist includes evaluating nearby pollution sources, proximity to hazardous industrial premises, electrical hubs and other strong electromagnetic fields.

Other key considerations for Yaswinii include the crime rate in the area, security features such as gated communities and camera surveillance, and traffic risks.

She also looks at the environmental history of the land, such as whether it was once a mine or a lake.

“It is also important to investigate the land stability and check for pests, termites or other harmful parasites,” she added.

For Indira Magesan, 31, a former general practitioner, buying property revolves around three main pillars – location, safety and finance.

She emphasised the importance of being near basic amenities, evaluating future developments for investment potential and ensuring affordability.

Although checking for industrial activity and construction is part of her process, pipelines had never been a concern.

“To be honest, we just make sure that industrial areas are at least five to 10km away from our community.

“As a layperson, we don’t have access to blueprints to check for pipelines underground.

“As for construction sites, as long as safety, noise levels and air quality are maintained, I’m okay because these factors can affect property value in the long term,” she said.

Before the fire incident, Indira had been unaware of the risks posed by pipelines.

“We assumed all developments go through strict evaluations to ensure safety,” she said.

“But now, we realise freak incidents such as this can happen anywhere to anyone.

“It will definitely influence my decision in the future. Safety is crucial, but peace of mind is even more important.”

Reflecting on the explosion, she expressed concern that despite numerous regulations for property construction, such an incident still happened.

“Buyers need to do thorough research on the property and evaluate the developer’s portfolio and risk management measures before making a decision.

“I’m not sure if I’d consider buying a house near the site of the incident or in areas known to have gas pipelines, at least not now.”

While Indira believes authorities will take steps to improve safety in the area, she pointed out that human nature makes it difficult to let go of past trauma.

She also said full disclosure on such incidents should be mandatory for parties selling property.

“Buyers must be made aware of past accidents, the countermeasures taken, the placement of pipelines and ongoing safety measures.

“It’s crucial that they have all the information to make informed decisions, free from the pressure of sales talk or promotions.”

SHAH ALAM: Five districts in Selangor were hit by floods this morning following continuous rain that began at 1am.

Selangor Civil Defence Force (CDF) director Ghazali Abd Rahman said the affected districts were Petaling, Klang, Sepang, Hulu Langat and Gombak.

"In Petaling, the affected areas include Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, Kampung Tengah, Kampung Baru Hicom, Kampung Seri Aman, Kampung Padang Jawa, and the motorcycle lane along the Federal Highway (Shah Alam).

"In Klang, flash floods were reported in Bukit Payung; Taman Daya, Meru; Pekan Meru, Taman Mutiara, and Taman Sri Muda.

"In Sepang, the affected areas include Kampung Abu Bakar Baginda, Sungai Merab, and Desa Vila Merab," he said when contacted today. Ghazali said the affected areas in Hulu Langat included Laman Gahal and Batu 14, while in Gombak it was along Jalan Ayer Panas.

He said water levels in Sungai Klang and Sungai Langat were currently high.

Meanwhile, in Kampung Meru, Kapar, Klang, a total of 26 flood victims have been placed at the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at SK Sungai Binjai following flash floods.

Ghazali said the number of affected homes and families was still being updated. "Continuous rain from around 2.30am caused overflowing water in the affected areas," he said.