Kuching: Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof berkata, tempoh seminggu ini adalah kritikal bagi mencari kaedah mendapatkan bekalan gas untuk kegunaan loji jana kuasa elektrik apabila saluran sedia ada ditutup.

Timbalan Perdana Menteri berkata, PETRONAS sedang mencari kaedah bagi mendapatkan bekalan gas untuk kegunaan penjanaan elektrik itu.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, bekalan elektrik di Lembah Klang pada masa ini stabil.

“Jika minggu depan gas tidak dapat dibekalkan kepada stesen jana kuasa yang terbabit, PETRONAS akan mencari jalan bagaimana untuk mendapatkan bekalan gas.

“Tetapi kita juga akan melaksanakan langkah seterusnya (jika bekalan gas tidak dapat disalurkan), iaitu menghidupkan jana kuasa lama (digerakkan bahan api diesel atau arang batu) untuk memastikan bekalan tenaga elektrik di Lembah Klang khususnya, tidak terjejas,” katanya kepada pemberita ketika ditemui pada Majlis Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri Parlimen Petra Jaya di Pusat Konvensyen CIDB, di sini, semalam.

Yang turut hadir Yang di-pertua Negeri, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi dan isteri, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi serta Premier Sarawak, Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg dan isteri, Puan Sri Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang.

Fadillah berkata, langkah menggunakan jana kuasa lama itu adalah alternatif bagi memastikan bekalan elektrik ke Lembah Klang tidak terjejas berikutan kebakaran paip gas bawah tanah di Putra Heights kelmarin.

Beliau yang juga Menteri Peralihan Tenaga dan Transformasi Air berkata, bekalan gas dijangka berkurang minggu depan apabila sebahagian saluran sedia ada ditutup.

TNB pantau infrastruktur

Mengenai kabel elektrik Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Fadillah berkata, ia disahkan tidak terjejas ekoran kebakaran itu.

“Bagaimanapun, TNB sedang memantau untuk memastikan seluruh infrastruktur tidak terjejas.

“Kabel di rumah yang terjejas juga sedang dalam siasatan dan apa bentuk bantuan akan dimuktamadkan PETRONAS sama ada menerusi insurans dan ia bergantung kepada keseluruhan siasatan,” katanya.

PETALING JAYA: The massive blaze in Putra Heights on Tuesday has heightened fears among Klang Valley residents, particularly those living near gas pipelines.

The large fire that erupted along a Petronas gas pipeline affected 364 people from 74 families and damaged 237 houses and 225 vehicles in the residential area.

The flames from the fire were exceptionally high, with the orange glow visible from several kilometres away.

At Koi Prima, a high-rise condominium complex in Jalan Pinggiran Mas, Puchong, residents are worried about a similar gas pipeline located close to their homes.

Residents of the complex, which consists of 1,008 residential units, now fear for their safety following the tragic incident in Putra Heights located less than 14km away.

Gugan Ravi, 34, the general manager of a building maintenance company who lives in Koi Prima, expressed concern over the safety risks posed by the pipeline, which was laid last year.

“The gas pipeline is about 20m to 30m from our residence, with the valve station located about 100m away,” he told the Sun.

“We are worried about our safety and traumatised even by the sound of thunderstorms,” said Gugan.

He added that residents heard, at odd hours in February, sounds akin to gas being released, raising fears of potential gas leaks or malfunctions.

Gugan said further compounding their worries is the ongoing construction of another high-rise condominium within a 200m radius of the valve station, which would increase population density and raise additional safety questions.

He claimed residents had not been informed by the authorities or the property management company about the proximity of the pipeline or the safety measures in place.

“The integrity of our building is now a major concern. New and existing tenants alike remain unaware of emergency protocols and inspections necessary to ensure safety.

“Our priority as residents is safety. Living near a gas pipeline requires strict safety measures and regular monitoring.”

Gugan urged the authorities and the gas company to ensure proper safety protocols, including regular inspections, maintenance schedules and emergency response plans.

Another resident, Nagarajan Subramaniam, 43, emphasised that the gas distribution station, constructed last year, has been a major source of anxiety.

“Since last year, when they started the distribution station construction, we have been very concerned about the safety of our residents.

“Apart from the fire hazard, we are also disturbed by the maintenance work being carried out at night.”

He added that initially, residents were told that this would only take place during the commissioning stage, but continued nighttime activities and loud noises have left many frustrated and uneasy.

He said a lack of communication has also left many feeling vulnerable and uncertain about potential risks.

“The only visible pipeline marking is along the main road near Taman Mas.

“What we learnt from the Putra Heights incident is that pressure on the gas pipeline likely caused a weak point to burst, leading to the fire. Considering the situation around our condo, we are very worried.”

Another concern is the presence of heavy vehicles passing near the condominium to a construction site nearby, which could put additional stress on the gas pipeline and the structural integrity of the buildings.

In addition, illegal dumping in the vicinity raises yet another safety issue, as the proximity of waste disposal to the pipeline could lead to unforeseen hazards.

“Authorities should provide clear information about the location and construction of pipelines. To prevent incidents, regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial,” Nagarajan said.

As fears grow, Koi Prima residents are urging authorities and gas pipeline operators to take immediate action and implement safety measures to prevent untoward incidents.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) yesterday rescued a man who had been trapped for 72 hours under rubble following the devastating earthquake in Sagaing, Myanmar.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today confirmed the successful rescue undertaken by the MAS-01 team.

He said the rescuers located the survivor, believed to be in his 40s, at 2pm yesterday beneath the ruins of a residential building along the Sagaing-Ta Da U road.

"SMART detected the survivor using specialised equipment. With the cooperation of local firefighters, they managed to extract him at 2.27pm.

"He was immediately transported by ambulance to the hospital for further treatment," he said in a statement.

The earthquake has so far claimed almost 3,000 lives, with many others still trapped and reported missing.

Zahid described the discovery as "a miracle," given that the victim had been trapped for more than three days.

The rescue mission also uncovered four bodies of victims who perished in the disaster, he said.

Zahid conveyed the Malaysian government's sympathy to the families of those affected.

"On behalf of the Malaysian government, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We pray that they find strength and resilience during this extremely difficult time."

Zahid also commended the dedication of SMART personnel, acknowledging the sacrifices they made to serve during the Aidilfitri celebrations.

"I extend my highest appreciation to the SMART team who willingly put duty before personal time with their families. This sacrifice is invaluable and reflects Malaysia's unwavering commitment to assisting the global community in times of crisis."

The government, he said, would continue monitoring the situation closely.

"The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), alongside relevant agencies, will ensure that all necessary aid is delivered efficiently. Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to assisting our neighbours in times of need," he said.

Sagaing was one of the hardest-hit areas in Myanmar, where the earthquake caused widespread destruction and loss of lives.

Rescue efforts are ongoing as teams race against time to locate more survivors.