OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PETALING JAYA: The April 1 gas explosion in Putra Heights has raised alarm over the hidden dangers of underground infrastructure in urban areas, prompting experts to call for stricter soil monitoring, tighter pipeline inspections and stronger control over nearby development.
The blast, which damaged more than 200 homes, was attributed to long-term soil subsidence and environmental stress.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Department of Structure and Materials senior lecturer Dr Libriati Zardasti said such incidents underscore the need to assess hazards not just within the pipeline itself, but also in its surrounding environment.
“In risk assessment, hazard identification must include activities beyond the pipeline’s right-of-way (ROW) — such as construction, land use changes and environmental conditions that affect soil stability.”
She noted that pipeline safety guidelines mandate buffer zones free of permanent structures and large trees, which can exert pressure on buried pipes.
The ROW areas, she added, are essential for safe monitoring and emergency access.
“Any construction within the corridors must go through proper approval processes to avoid introducing new risks.
“When ROWs are encroached upon, it complicates pipeline management.”
Although the Putra Heights pipeline had undergone intelligent pigging – an internal inspection using robotic sensors – Libriati stressed that the technology is most effective when paired with on-ground inspections and a robust integrity management framework.
“Technology can spot anomalies, but regular inspection and maintenance are still key. That’s how you build and maintain confidence in a pipeline’s safety.”
She also pointed out that Malaysia has seen pipeline failures before – including along the Sabah–Sarawak gas pipeline – although such incidents often fly under the radar due to their remote locations or minimal public impact.
“What happened in Putra Heights was different because it occurred in a residential area. It made the public more aware of the dangers when such systems fail.”
UTM Centre for Tropical Geoengineering distinguished fellow Prof Dr Ramli Nazir said the findings point to a gradual buildup of stress over time, worsened by soil conditions and pressure from surrounding development.
“The long-term effects of soil instability, groundwater buildup and poor drainage can weaken the ground’s ability to support infrastructure.
“Over decades, such conditions can shift the pipe and create stress that leads to rupture.”
He added that vibrations from nearby roads and surrounding commercial activity may have added to the stress, especially if drainage systems were compromised.
“If monsoon drains or culverts are damaged, water can seep into the subsoil and soften it, making it more prone to settlement.
“These factors, combined with internal pipeline pressure, can eventually trigger failure.”
Ramli also said the rupture may have caused mechanical sparks, igniting leaked gas.
“To prevent this type of event, continuous monitoring is essential – not just of the pipeline, but of the surrounding geological environment.
“Signs of ground movement or pressure shifts are often detectable with the right systems in place.”
On June 30, authorities confirmed there was no evidence of sabotage or negligence linked to the Putra Heights explosion.
Police have since classified the case as requiring no further action.
Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) petroleum safety division director Husdin Che Amat said the likely cause was a combination of ground pressure, unstable soil and prolonged environmental stress.
Following the incident, Petronas has identified other pipeline segments potentially exposed to similar risks.
The company has been instructed to implement both immediate and long-term safety measures, with DOSH working alongside Petronas to coordinate remedial steps and strengthen pipeline safety nationwide.
KUALA TERENGGANU - Projek Pembangunan Lembangan Sungai Bersepadu (PLSB) Sungai Kemaman bagi mengatasi masalah banjir bernilai RM300 juta dijangka siap sepenuhnya menjelang tahun 2031.
Exco Infrastruktur, Utiliti dan Pembangunan Luar Bandar Negeri, Datuk Hanafiah Mat berkata, projek mega yang diluluskan kerajaan Persekutuan itu masih di peringkat prapelaksanaan dan akan dilaksanakan oleh Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (JPS) Malaysia.
"Projek ini merupakan antara langkah jangka panjang kerajaan bagi mengatasi isu banjir serius di daerah Kemaman, khususnya di kawasan Cukai yang sering terjejas saban tahun.
"Ia juga bertujuan untuk mengurangkan kerosakan harta benda dan melindungi nyawa penduduk yang terkesan setiap kali musim tengkujuh," katanya ketika menjawab soalan Mohd Hafiz Adam (Pas - Air Putih) pada Sidang Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) di Wisma Darul Iman di sini pada Isnin.
Menurut Hanafiah, antara komponen utama projek tersebut ialah pembinaan sungai tiruan sepanjang lapan hingga sembilan kilometer (km) dari kawasan Paman ke Tasik Bungkus, Ibok.
"Objektif utama projek ini adalah untuk mengurangkan kawasan takungan banjir yang menjadi punca utama limpahan air setiap kali hujan lebat melanda," katanya.
Mengulas lanjut, beliau berkata projek berkenaan akan dilaksanakan secara kaedah reka dan bina, dengan penilaian kontraktor kini sedang dijalankan oleh JPS Malaysia.
"Surat setuju terima kepada kontraktor yang berjaya dijangka akan dikeluarkan pada Disember 2025, manakala tempoh pelaksanaan keseluruhan projek ditetapkan selama lima tahun," katanya.
Hanafiah berkata, projek berimpak tinggi itu merupakan antara usaha strategik kerajaan dalam memastikan kesejahteraan rakyat di daerah Kemaman sentiasa terjamin, selain menyokong pembangunan yang lebih lestari dan selamat daripada bencana alam.
"Ini membuktikan komitmen kerajaan negeri dan Persekutuan dalam menangani isu banjir secara menyeluruh, bukan sekadar penyelesaian sementara tetapi jangka panjang demi kemakmuran penduduk setempat," ujarnya.
MUKAH, July 7 — The bodies of the final five victims from the boat tragedy off the coast of Pantai Belawai near Kampung Belawai were recovered this morning, bringing the total death toll to 10.
A spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department's (JBPM) operations centre said all five victims were adult males, discovered by members of the public and rescue teams on the third day of the search and rescue operation.
Three bodies identified as Asbar, Resky Adrian and Muhammad were found in the Muara Belawai area by civilians early this morning.
“Meanwhile, Rabanai Rabai’s body was also recovered by members of the public at 7.50am in the Simpang Sungai Pinang area,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The fifth body, identified as Ardy, was found at 8.30am in the Muara Sungai Selumit area by the Sarawak Coast Guard based in Tanjung Manis.
The fibreglass boat carrying 17 Indonesian passengers from the Kampung Belawai fishermen’s jetty to the Zion Pelita Coconut Plantation jetty capsized around 2.11pm on July 5.
Seven people, comprising four adult men, two adult women, and a young boy, survived the tragedy. The deceased include two adult women, five adult men, two boys, and one girl.
Today’s search and rescue operation began early in the morning, focusing on a three-kilometre radius around the river mouth and surrounding waters where the boat capsized.
The operation, led by the Sarawak JBPM, was conducted in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Civil Defence Force, Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit and community volunteers. — Bernama
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Legislative Assembly received an update on the progress of the Hulu Langat Flood Mitigation Project Phase 2, which has now entered the detailed design phase.
State Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim confirmed that the project will proceed to land acquisition and utility relocation once the design is finalised, with physical construction expected to commence in 2027.
The project spans multiple areas, including Kajang town, Kampung Sungai Serai, Kampung Sungai Lui, Kampung Dusun Tua, Taman Sri Nanding, Taman Sri Jelok, and Kampung Sungai Kantan. Key components involve river deepening, embankment construction, water gate installation, pump systems, and water retention ponds.
Datuk Izham provided these details in response to an oral question from Datuk Johan Abd Aziz (BN-Dusun Tua) regarding the status of the flood mitigation plan. The initiative falls under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and includes Phase 2, Package 1 of the Sungai Langat Flood Mitigation Plan in Hulu Langat District, backed by a RM512 million budget allocation. - Bernama
BELAWAI – Terlebih muatan dikenal pasti menjadi punca tragedi bot karam pada Sabtu lalu, yang meragut 10 nyawa di Pantai Belawai di sini.
Ketua Polis Daerah Sarikei, Superintendan Aswandy Anis berkata siasatan awal pihaknya mendapati saiz bot fiber yang kecil itu tidak sepatutnya membawa penumpang seramai 17 orang, yang ditambah lagi dengan muatan barangan.
“Keadaan bot kecil dengan 17 orang termasuk barangan menyebabkan ia sukar dikawal.
“Apabila melalui kawasan ombak kuat, bot tersebut terus karam,” katanya pada sidang media selepas operasi mencari dan menyelamat (SAR) di lokasi kejadian, pagi tadi.
Justeru, beliau mengingatkan khususnya pengendali bot serta penduduk setempat agar sentiasa mengutamakan aspek keselamatan ketika berada di sungai atau laut.
“Jangan ambil mudah soal keselamatan, kita tidak menyangka keadaan sungai juga boleh berombak besar secara tiba-tiba,” katanya.