Sarawak: Sarawak will officially designate gas corridors under the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) as a precautionary measure to prevent incidents like the recent gas pipeline explosion in Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move aims to prohibit any construction within these designated zones, ensuring safety and mitigating risks associated with gas pipelines.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is intended to address potential hazards similar to those experienced in Putra Heights. The gas corridor areas, including Samalaju, will be strictly controlled to prevent similar incidents. Residential developments and public facilities will not be permitted in these zones. Abang Johari shared these details with reporters at Tupong state assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman’s open house.
Abang Johari highlighted that the state government is in a position to implement this measure, as the SGR initiative is still in its early stages. Planners involved in the Sarawak Gas Roadmap project have proposed the creation of a gazetted gas corridor to ensure better safety measures.
The plan includes establishing a proper buffer zone and designating a wide corridor for gas infrastructure, which will allow for early detection of potential hazards and significantly reduce risks in case of a fire or explosion. This approach is designed to enhance safety and prevent future catastrophic incidents like the recent gas pipeline fire.
The recent pipeline fire resulted in towering flames and intense heat, causing destruction to rows of houses and properties, including more than 300 vehicles. As of 8 am today, 377 victims from 98 families continue to stay at two temporary relief centres. Specifically, 311 individuals from 84 families are at Dewan Masjid Putra Heights, while 66 individuals from 14 families are at Dewan Camelia, Subang Jaya City Council Multipurpose Hall.
According to the Ministry of Health, the number of victims receiving treatment remains consistent with the previous count. Thirty-one individuals are being treated in public hospitals in Putrajaya, Serdang, Klang, and Kuala Lumpur, while 33 others are in private hospitals. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.